2007 Election: Update On Doubtful Seats

Dec 07, 2007

Labor Government Lead Dwindling; 16-Seat Majority Likely; 8 Seats Still Undecided

Dec 07 – 6.15pm – Nearly two weeks after polling day, counting continues for all electorates in the House of Representatives, with absentee, postal and declaration votes trickling in. The Australian Electoral Commission now has the ALP on 80 seats, the Liberals 50, The Nationals 10, and independents 2. There are 8 seats still in doubt. La Trobe is no longer regarded as doubtful, retained by the Liberal member, Jason Wood, by 889 votes.

  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 323.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 221.
  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 102.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 280.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 196.
  • Robertson – (NSW – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 182.
  • McEwen – (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 22.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 459.

On these figures, a final result seems likely to deliver 83 ALP, 65 Coalition, 2 independents. This would produce a Labor majority of 16 (15 on the floor of the House).

Doubtful Seats Still Doubtful

Nov 30 – 8.45pm – Counting continues for all electorates in the House of Representatives, with absentee, postal and declaration votes trickling in. The deadline for the votes is late next week. The ALP is now 1,158 votes ahead in Corangamite and the AEC has removed it from its list of doubtful seats. McEwen and Robertson have been reinstated:

  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 60.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 106.
  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 116.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 239.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 262.
  • Robertson – (NSW – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 296.
  • McEwen – (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 396.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 544.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 636.

The AEC has the ALP winning 80 seats, the Liberals 49, The Nationals 10, and independents 2. A final result seems likely to deliver 84 or 85 seats to the ALP.

ALP Still On 80 Seats As Counting Continues

Nov 30 – 12.55am – The Australian Electoral Commission currently has the ALP with 80 seats, the Liberals 50, The Nationals 10, and independents 2. It lists 8 seats as doubtful:

  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 27.
  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 60.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 187.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 207.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 262.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 590.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 661.
  • Corangamite (Vic – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 764.

The NSW seat of Macarthur is no longer listed as doubtful. The sitting Liberal member, Pat Farmer, is ahead by 711 votes.

New Doubtfuls Emerge

Nov 28 – 11.00pm – The A.E.C. has added Corangamite, Solomon and Flynn to the six seats classified as doubtful yesterday. Latest counting shows:

  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 21.
  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 108.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 153.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 268.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 428.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 590.
  • Macarthur (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 598.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 730.
  • Corangamite (Vic – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 767.

In Bennelong, Labor’s Maxine McKew is 2,445 votes ahead of John Howard.

Update On Doubtful Seats

Nov 27 – 5.15pm – Whilst counting is not complete, the Australian Electoral Commission has judged the ALP to have won 83 seats, the Liberals 49, Nationals 10, and Independents 2.

Earlier today, the AEC removed McEwen from its doubtful list after the sitting Liberal member, Fran Bailey, established a lead of 872 votes. There are now 6 doubtful seats:

  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 27.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 63.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 234.
  • Macarthur (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 508.
  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 560.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 712.

The best guess is that Bowman and Swan remain doubtful, whilst the current leaders will win the other seats. On this basis, the worst result for the ALP will be 85 seats, a majority of 20, or 19 after the provision of a Speaker. The most likely best result for the ALP is 87 seats, a majority of 24, or 23 after the provision of a Speaker.

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Howard Government, Rudd Government Tagged With: , , , ,

Labor Government Lead Dwindling; 16-Seat Majority Likely; 8 Seats Still Undecided

Dec 07, 2007

Nearly two weeks after polling day, counting continues for all electorates in the House of Representatives, with absentee, postal and declaration votes trickling in.

The Australian Electoral Commission now has the ALP on 80 seats, the Liberals 50, The Nationals 10, and independents 2.

There are 8 seats still in doubt.

La Trobe is no longer regarded as doubtful, retained by the Liberal member, Jason Wood, by 889 votes.

  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 323.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 221.
  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 102.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 280.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 196.
  • Robertson – (NSW – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 182.
  • McEwen – (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 22.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 459.

On these figures, a final result seems likely to deliver 83 ALP, 65 Coalition, 2 independents.

This would produce a Labor majority of 16 (15 on the floor of the House).

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, A.L.P., Rudd Government Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Nelson Announces Shadow Ministry

Dec 06, 2007

The Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Brendan Nelson, has announced the coalition’s new shadow ministry.

Nelson has drawn on the experience of former Howard government ministers such as Julie Bishop, Joe Hockey, Nick Minchin, Malcolm Turnbull and Andrew Robb. He has elevated new faces such as Tony Smith, Greg Hunt, Bob Baldwin, Andrew Southcott, Margaret May, Sussan Ley and Pat Farmer.

Nelson said: “The new Coalition team strikes the right balance between fresh faces and experience.”

This is the text of a media release from the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Brendan Nelson.

Dr. Brendan Nelson, Leader of the OppositionI am pleased to announce today the new Coalition frontbench.

The new Coalition team strikes the right balance between fresh faces and experience. The Shadow Ministry has been chosen on the basis of both proven performance and new members with the potential to contribute to the Coalition over the longer term.

This team has the drive, skills, experience and commitment to offer a credible, viable and attractive alternative Government.

Julie Bishop will take on the important role of Shadow Minister for Employment, Business and Workplace Relations. As the Deputy Leader, Ms Bishop will hold the Government to account and work to ensure the significant employment gains of the past decade are not eroded.

Opposition Senate Leader Nick Minchin will assume responsibility as Shadow Minister for Defence. Senator Minchin is one of the Coalition’s most experienced and skilful operators. His talents are greatly valued by the Liberals and Nationals.

Along with his role as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Eric Abetz becomes Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Malcolm Turnbull will serve as my key economic spokesman as Shadow Treasurer. Malcolm’s economic experience, drive and intellect will be highly valued on the Coalition frontbench.

The Nationals’ Leader Warren Truss will serve as Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government. As our valued Coalition partner, I look forward to working closely with Mr Truss and his colleagues.

Senator Nigel Scullion will provide an alternative to the Government’s approach on Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

John Cobb will serve as Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Water Security.

Andrew Robb takes on the important and challenging role of Shadow Foreign Minister. Mr Robb is a proven safe pair of hands. Andrew’s experience will be a great asset to the Coalition team I look forward to his valued contribution on the frontbench.

Joe Hockey will hold the Government to account on Health, while Peter Dutton becomes Shadow Finance Minister, Ian MacFarlane becomes Shadow Trade Minister and Tony Abbott takes on responsibility for Families, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and the Voluntary Sector.

Senator Chris Ellison becomes Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Helen Coonan takes on Human Services, Senator George Brandis becomes Shadow Attorney General, while Senator David Johnston brings his drive and talents to the position of Shadow Minister for Resources and Energy and Tourism.

Tony Smith, Bruce Billson and Greg Hunt also join the Shadow Cabinet. Mr Smith’s energy, skills and talent make him the ideal candidate to take on the Government in the important Education portfolio. I have also added the important areas of Apprenticeships and Training to Tony’s responsibilities.

Bruce Billson will enthusiastically develop the alternative Government’s plans for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Greg Hunt becomes Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Urban Water. Greg will work tirelessly in this critically important portfolio.

There are a number of new faces in the Outer Shadow Ministry.

Senator Michael Ronaldson brings his considerable experience and talents as Shadow Special Minister of State. I welcome Michael Keenan to the frontbench as Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Steven Ciobo as Shadow Minister for Small Business, the Service Economy and Tourism.

Christopher Pyne becomes Shadow Minister for Justice and Border Protection, Sharman Stone takes on Environment, Heritage, the Arts and Indigenous Affairs and Bronwyn Bishop returns in the role of Shadow Veterans Affairs Minister.

The Nationals’ Luke Hartsuyker will take up the position of Shadow Minister for Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs.

Bob Baldwin, Andrew Southcott, Margaret May, Sussan Ley and Pat Farmer also join the Coalition frontbench.

The following Members and Senators will serve as Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries; Cory Bernardi, Richard Colbeck, Mark Coulton, John Forrest, Jo Gash, Barry Haase, Peter Lindsay, Ian Macdonald, Louise Markus, Brett Mason, Sophie Mirabella, Marise Payne and Don Randall.

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Howard Government, Liberal Party, Opposition Tagged With: , , , , ,

Coalition Shadow Ministry From December 6, 2007

Dec 06, 2007

The new Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Brendan Nelson, has announced the coalition’s shadow ministry.

The team comprises a mix of former Howard government ministers and new faces.

This is the Shadow Ministry as announced by Dr. Brendan Nelson.

Shadow Cabinet

  1. Brendan Nelson – Leader of the Opposition
  2. Julie Bishop – Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Employment, Business and Workplace Relations
  3. Warren Truss – Leader of The Nationals; Infrastructure and Transport and Local Government
  4. Senator Nick Minchin – Leader of the Opposition in the Senate; Defence
  5. Senator Eric Abetz – Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate; Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
  6. Malcolm Turnbull – Treasury
  7. Joe Hockey – Health and Ageing; Leader of Opposition Business in the House
  8. Andrew Robb – Foreign Affairs
  9. Ian MacFarlane – Trade
  10. Tony Abbott – Families, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and the Voluntary Sector
  11. Senator Nigel Scullion – Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
  12. Senator Helen Coonan – Human Services
  13. Tony Smith – Education, Apprenticeships and Training
  14. Greg Hunt – Climate Change, Environment and Urban Water
  15. Peter Dutton – Finance, Competition Policy and Deregulation
  16. Senator Chris Ellison – Immigration and Citizenship; Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
  17. Senator George Brandis – Attorney General
  18. Senator David Johnston – Resources and Energy, Tourism
  19. John Cobb – Regional Development, Water Security

Outer Shadow Ministry

  1. Chris Pyne – Justice, Border Protection and Assisting Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
  2. Senator Michael Ronaldson – Shadow Special Minister of State
  3. Steven Ciobo – Small Business, the Service Economy and Tourism
  4. Sharman Stone – Environment, Heritage, the Arts and Indigenous Affairs
  5. Michael Keenan – Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Superannuation and Corporate Governance
  6. Margaret May – Ageing
  7. Bob Baldwin – Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence
  8. Luke Hartsuyker – Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs; Deputy Leader of Opposition Business in the House
  9. Bronwyn Bishop – Veterans’ Affairs
  10. Andrew Southcott – Employement Participation and Apprenticeships and Training
  11. Sussan Ley – Housing, Status of Women
  12. Pat Farmer – Youth and Sport

Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries

  1. Don Randall – Assisting the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Cabinet Secretary
  2. Senator Ian Macdonald – Assisting the Leader of the Opposition, Northern Australia
  3. Senator Richard Colbeck – Health
  4. Senator Brett Mason – Education
  5. Peter Lindsay – Defence
  6. Barry Haase – Infrastructure, Roads and Transport
  7. John Forrest – Trade
  8. Louise Markus – Immigration and Citizenship
  9. Sophie Mirabella – Local Government
  10. Jo Gash – Tourism
  11. Mark Coultan – Ageing and the Voluntary Sector
  12. Senator Marise Payne – Foreign Affairs
  13. Senator Cory Bernardi – Families, Community Services
Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Audio, Audio2007, Howard Government, Liberal Party, Opposition Tagged With: , , , , ,

Oppositions Do Win Elections: Gartrell Analyses ALP Election Victory

Dec 04, 2007

Tim Gartrell, National Secretary of the ALPThe ALP has disproved the notion that oppositions don’t win elections, governments lose them, according to Tim Gartrell, National Secretary of the ALP.

Addressing the National Press Club in Canberra, Gartrell argued that Labor won the election campaign outright and that the election of Kevin Rudd as leader of the ALP exactly one year ago was when the momentum began. Gartrell argued that “the momentum Labor built through 2007 was not confined to the return of one single group. It goes comprehensively deeper and wider than that. It was a wave that swept up Australians in almost every demographic – at either end of the spectrum and in the middle. The under 30s and the over 60s. Manual trades workers and the university educated. Mums at home and families with both parents working.”

Gartrell claimed a wide-ranging swing for the ALP: “This was self-evidently not a swing confined to narrow, sectional groups. This was a swing that on election day would deliver seats to Labor in Far North Queensland, on the Central Coast of New South Wales, in western Sydney and the suburbs of Brisbane and in John Howard’s own backyard – Bennelong.” [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, A.L.P., Audio, Electoral Behaviour, Howard Government, Liberal Party, Rudd Government Tagged With: , , , ,

The Rudd Ministry: Who Does What

Dec 03, 2007

The detailed administrative arrangements for the Rudd Labor government have been issued.

The administrative arrangements are made in the form of an order from the Governor-General-in-Council.

The order sets out the matters dealt with by each government department and the acts of parliament to be administered by each minister. [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, A.L.P., Cabinet-Ministry, Public Service, Rudd Government Tagged With: , , , ,

Kevin Rudd Sworn In As Australia’s 26th Prime Minister

Dec 03, 2007

Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia

10.00am – Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as Prime Minister by the Governor-General, Michael Jeffery, in a ceremony at Government House, in Canberra. [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, A.L.P., Audio, Cabinet-Ministry, Governor-General, Howard Government, Prime Minister, Rudd Government Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Rudd Announces New Labor Government Ministry

Nov 29, 2007

The Prime Minister-elect, Kevin Rudd, has announced his new ministry at a press conference in Canberra.

One of the most significant changes is that Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard will be both Education Minister and Employment & Workplace Relations Minister.

The highly-regarded Senator John Faulkner has been appointed Special Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary.

The ministry will be sworn in by the Governor-General next Monday.

Listen to Kevin Rudd’s Press Conference Announcing the Labor Ministry:

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Listen to Kevin Rudd Address the ALP Caucus:

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The Rudd Ministry

Cabinet:

  1. Prime Minister: Kevin Rudd
  2. Deputy Prime Minister, Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Social Inclusion: Julia Gillard
  3. Treasurer: Wayne Swan
  4. Immigration and Citizenship, Leader of the Government in the Senate: Sen. Chris Evans
  5. Special Minister of State, Cabinet Secretary, Vice President of the Executive Council: Sen. John Faulkner
  6. Trade: Simon Crean
  7. Foreign Affairs: Stephen Smith
  8. Defence: Joel Fitzgibbon
  9. Health and Ageing: Nicola Roxon
  10. Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs: Jenny Macklin
  11. Finance and Deregulation: Lindsay Tanner
  12. Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Local Government, Leader of the House: Anthony Albanese
  13. Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate: Sen. Stephen Conroy
  14. Innovation, Industry, Science and Research: Sen. Kim Carr
  15. Climate Change and Water: Sen. Penny Wong
  16. Environment, Heritage and The Arts: Peter Garrett
  17. Attorney General: Robert McClelland
  18. Human Services, Manager of Government Business in the Senate: Sen. Joe Ludwig
  19. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Tony Burke
  20. Resources and Energy, Tourism: Martin Ferguson

Outer Ministry:

  1. Home Affairs: Bob Debus
  2. Assistant Treasurer, Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs: Chris Bowen
  3. Veterans’ Affairs: Alan Griffin
  4. Housing, Status of Women: Tanya Plibersek
  5. Employment Participation: Brendan O’Connor
  6. Defence Science and Personnel: Warren Snowdon
  7. Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, Assisting the Finance Minister on Deregulation: Craig Emerson
  8. Superannuation and Corporate Governance: Sen. Nick Sherry
  9. Ageing: Justine Elliot
  10. Youth, Sport: Kate Ellis

Parliamentary Secretaries:

  1. Prime Minister and Cabinet: Maxine McKew
  2. Defence: Greg Combet
  3. Defence: Mike Kelly
  4. Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development: Gary Gray
  5. Families, Housing, Community Servies and Indigenous Affairs: Bill Shorten
  6. Foreign Affairs: Bob McMullan
  7. Foreign Affairs: Duncan Kerr
  8. Prime Minister and Cabinet: Anthony Byrne
  9. Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector: Sen. Ursula Stephens
  10. Trade: John Murphy
  11. Health and Ageing: Sen. Jan McLucas
  12. Immigration and Citizenship: Laurie Ferguson
Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, A.L.P., Cabinet-Ministry, Howard Government, Prime Minister, Rudd Government Tagged With: , , , , ,

Brendan Nelson Elected Liberal Party Leader In Close Vote

Nov 29, 2007

Brendan Nelson, Leader of the OppositionBrendan Nelson has been elected leader of the Liberal Party, defeating Malcolm Turnbull by 45 votes to 42.

Julie Bishop, the outgoing Education Minister, has been elected deputy leader. Sky News reports that she garnered 44 votes, Andrew Robb 25 and Christopher Pyne 18.

Bishop holds the seat of Curtin in Western Australia, the only state to withstand the swing to the ALP in Saturday’s election.

The election of Nelson and Bishop marks the first time in decades that the Liberal Party’s leaders do not include a Victorian.

  • Listen to Peter Costello Announce the Leaders:

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Nelson Appoints Turnbull Shadow Treasurer, Supports Kyoto Ratification

Nov 29 – 3.10pm – The newly-elected Leader of the Opposition, Brendan Nelson, has appointed Malcolm Turnbull Shadow Treasurer. Nelson also offered support for the ratification of the Kyoto treaty.

Giving his first press conference since defeating Turnbull 45-42 earlier today, Nelson spoke of his Labor-oriented family background and the role education played in his life.

He said he wanted to discuss the future of federal intervention in Northern Territory aboriginal communities with the incoming prime minister, Kevin Rudd. Nelson’s deputy, Julie Bishop, will be the shadow minister for Industrial Relations.

Within hours of Nelson’s elevation to the Liberal leadership, the ALP had NelsonFacts online.

  • Listen to the Press Conference held by Brendan Nelson and Julie Bishop:

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  • Listen to Malcolm Turnbull’s reaction to the Liberal leadership election:

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Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Audio, Audio2007, Howard Government, Liberal Party, Opposition Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Abbott Withdraws From Liberal Leadership Contest

Nov 28, 2007

The outgoing Health Minister, Tony Abbott, has withdrawn from the Liberal Party leadership ballot on Thursday.

Malcolm Turnbull and Brendan Nelson will contest the position with Turnbull looking more likely to win.

The deputy’s position is a three-way contest between Andrew Robb, Julie Bishop and Christopher Pyne.

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Howard Government, Liberal Party Tagged With: , , , , ,