Labor is Crushed in New South Wales Election

Today in New South Wales, Australia, a state-wide General Election has been taking place. After 16 years of Labor administration the Liberal/National coalition had high hopes of taking control of the state. That aim was boosted by the fact that last year Julia Gillard clung onto power at a national level with the support of 3 independent MPs. Since then she has proven to be an inept Prime Minister and has sunk to record lows in the polls.

One of the principal contributing factors to Labor’s unpopularity is Gillard’s introduction of a new Carbon Tax. This was after she expressly promised not to introduce such a tax during the General Election. David Cameron take note!

In the 93 seat state Parliament the Lib/Nat Coalition is likely to hold 68 seats (ABC projection) with Labor being reduced to a rump of just 22. The Independents have also been hit hard, as they were in seats which are represented at national level by the Indepedent MPs who are propping up Gillard.

Australia uses the Alternative Vote system which is being proposed for the UK in the 5th May referendum but voting is compulsory.  In Australia the Liberals and National Party operate in permanent alliance, pretty much as a single party. This election result is further evidence that elections under AV usually do produce clear results and can be counted quickly!