Australian election for war and racism

[Greg Schofield]

The Australian national election returned the ultra-conservative and increasingly racist Liberal Coalition, Labor which had adopted the same anti-refugee policies and war support held most of its seats, but the Government recieved a 2% swing (practically unheard of in a third term).

The Greens which were the only party to oppose the war and for refugees, doubled its votes and the Democrats who have a softer approach than the Government or Labour  to both mainatined themselves - unusually 20% of Australians gave their primary vote to smaller parties.

The good news is that One Nation (racist and popularist) vote collapsed - the bad news is that this was because the two major parties adopted its policies on refugees.

The first test amongst the allies about the war shows a willingness to go all the way with the USA. Some small grace is given by a very small minority from conservative to labor consciouslly voted for anti-war pro-refugee Greens and Democrats - but it is a small grace at best.

Greg Schofield
Perth Australia