The mining issues are only a tip of the iceberg. Labor's (note the Americanised spelling) failed policies and extraordinary spending to "save" Australia from the Global Financial Crisis which has led to a huge deficit (quite unncessary IMHO given the stability of the Aussie economy after John Howard's stewardship), and the back-stabbing of Kevin Rudd by Julai Gillard has led a lot of people not voting Labor; Liberal's lack-lustre campaign and unclear policies led a lot of people not voting Liberal. The only viable party for these people were the Greens. Essentially, the win for the Greens was a protest vote.
As it stands, Australia is facing its first hung parliament since World War II. I understand both parties will enter into negotiations with independents and the Greens, and a resolution might not be coming for some time. Note: Voting at elections is a compulsory act for all citizens of Australia. Failure to cast a vote is punishable by a fine. ----- Original Message ---- > From: rajendra kakodkar <[email protected]> > To: [email protected] > Sent: Sun, 22 August, 2010 5:00:12 PM > Subject: [Goanet] Growing power of Greens in Australia – A precursor to > future >happenings in Goa? > > Australian parliament elections, which were fought more on the issue of >imposing higher tax on mining is slated to result in a hung parliament. With >three-fourth of the votes counted in the 150 member house the ruling Labor >party >won 70 and opposition Coalition of Liberals and Nationals won 70. The final >tally may be 72 each. .squarespace.com/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ISSUES BEING DEBATED: In East Africa, despite colonialism, the British afforded the Goan a sliver of a socio-political voice. Read *Into The Diaspora Wilderness* by Selma Carvalho. Soon to be available in Toronto. Pp 290. Via mail-order from [email protected] http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/
