Emma Frank
As I am writing this, Labor has practically won the election. Well, not technically, but Scomo has stepped down, Anthony Albanese has delivered his victory speech, and unless something goes suddenly, horribly, wrong, it looks like it’ll be over for the Liberals.
Here are some of the key takeaways from this election:
The Greens have gained at least one new seat and about seven independents have gained seats in the House of Representatives. The Liberals have lost an embarrassing 10-20 seats, even having their deputy deposed to an independent, while Labor is likely to gain at least seven seats. Notably, Clive Palmer spent $100 million dollars on advertising and failed to retain a single seat. Collectively, this marks a pretty significant shift in the zeitgeist of Australian politics.
Who's to say what sparked this collective sway towards progressive independents and minor parties. Maybe it was the government response to COVID-19? Was it the frustration with the callous attitude towards the fires and floods that drove individuals to environmental parties? Or was it Scott Morrison animalistically pouncing on an unsuspecting young boy playing soccer? It’s hard to truly know.
But one thing is for sure, these past few years have most certainly been hard, and people are most certainly fed up.
This year there was also a notable shift in the actual campaign strategies, parties took to making little rhymes about each other (which certainly did deliver us some bangers) as opposed to promoting their actual policies. So, let’s have a look at what Labor will focus on in the years to come:
Notable Policies (for more details visit ABC News)
Political
Aiming to create a National Anti-Corruption commission by the end of 2022
Social
Committing to net zero emissions by 2050, this includes making electric cars more accessible
Paying for apprenticeships and TAFE spots to fix skill shortages, upgrading IT in educational facilities and offering more enrolments to rural, Indigenous and disadvantaged students
Funding urgent care clients and lowering the cost of medicines
Committing to the Uluru Statement from the Heart to form treaty with Aboriginal Australians
Maintaining Liberal’s boat turn back policy and using offshore detention centres
Economic
More generous subsidies and welfare policies, e.g. raising the maximum subsidy rate for childcare to 90%
Introducing a “shared-equity” housing scheme and building social and affordable housing
Maintaining the new lowered 30% tax rate for Australians earning $45,000-$200,000 a year
It is important to note, that although a shift towards more progressive politics has occurred, we must not be blinded by politicians who deliver us the bare minimum. It is vital to not fanaticize over our leaders, to stay critical and to be engaged in our contemporary political climate. I’m sure many of you reading are not able to vote yet (I, in fact, missed out by one day) but in these coming years you will be! So, do not discount your voice. You are our future.
And with an air of cautious optimism, let’s have a toast. Here’s to the years of Albo!
