4 ms·

> I think it has a lot to do with the multi party system. Is Australia really a multi-party country. Seems like Australia, much like Canada, has two major part

• zizee 5y ago
  > smaller ones who have no power and no chance of ever getting into power. Whilst the smaller parties / independents do not have a real chance to gain majority, they can still have a voice and oftentimes hold the balance of power. This leads to some claiming that these smaller players have a much bigger influence than they deserve.
• lugged 5y ago
  They don't need to get into power, the major parties still need to concede negotiation points in order to form coalitions. This is what gives the multi party system its power, coalition forces diversity.
  • kop34huyt 5y ago
    I agree. Fascinating to watch whats happening in Israeli politics too with all kind strange coalitions and so many parties.
• roenxi 5y ago
  The smaller ones don't need power, they need the threat of gaining power. If the Greens have a policy that will get people to vote for them, then the Labor party has to pick that up as well or start haemorrhaging preferences. Ditto the Liberals and various lobbies like One Nation. It is extremely difficult for the major Australian parties to ignore a minor party that has better policies. Although the majors are stable as a brand, the actual policy mix and strategy is quite dynamic and influenced by the minors.