24/8/10
The 2010 election campaign was noteable for its lack of vision. No party has emerged as a clear winner, and no party has won a clear mandate to take action on anything. There is disenchantment with the major parties.

Neither of the major political parties have much to say to say about climate change. Both the ALP and the coalition agree to the pathetic target of a 5% reduction in emissions by 2020. This is well below what the science demands. The climate policies of both parties will see a steady rise in Australia’s emissions, and will not get us to a 5% target. The climate policies of both parties provide absolutely no framework for moving beyond a 5% reduction target past 2020. The election result reflects the inadequate response of our politicians to the threat of climate change.

There was only one clear winner in the 2010 Federal election, and that was the Greens. They saw a big swing in their favour, will control the balance of power in the senate, have senate representation in each state and gain a seat in the House of Representatives.

The message for the ALP and the Coalition over the next three years is clear. Don’t expect a clear majority at the next election unless you have a  coherent climate policy that will allow Australia to be a part of a global solution to climate change.
Matthew Nott