Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

The climate is changing - but Green vote dries up

By Stewart Prins - posted Tuesday, 2 January 2007


As the ink dries on the final results for 2006 Victorian State election, commentators are focusing their analysis on the failure of the Liberals to mount an effective challenge, the enduring strength of “Brand Bracks”, and the extraordinary return from exile of the DLP.

The Greens, however, have been largely forgotten - cast aside as disappointing non-performers.

But were the Greens election “losers” or not?

Advertisement

For the first time in Victorian history, the Greens will have a place in the State Parliament.

Indeed, the last-minute recount of votes in the Western Metropolitan region delivered the Greens a third seat of the Legislative Council.

The colour scheme of the Victorian Parliament will be indelibly changed with the Greens adding a different hue to the rich red tones of the Upper House.

Three seats for a party which previously had none must be considered a momentous leap forward - especially given the media frenzy around the election of a single DLP candidate.

Despite this achievement, there is solid ground for arguing that the Greens were the disappointing underachievers of the campaign. The lead-up to the election was dominated by a single issue - the weather.

Continuing drought, record high temperatures and dwindling water supplies thrust environmental issues to very front row of political debate.

Advertisement

At the same time, popular culture, through the success of Tim Flannery's book The Weather Makers and Al Gore's highly successful film An Inconvenient Truth, gave people an explanation for the extreme weather conditions they were experiencing around them.

And changes to the electoral system, with the introduction of proportional representation in the Upper House, meant that smaller parties would find it easier to win a place in Parliament.

It seemed that the planets had aligned, and the time had finally come for the Greens.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

15 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Stewart Prins is a transport consultant and former Ministerial Adviser to the Victorian Government.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Stewart Prins

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 15 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy