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What if no-one wins? What to know about minority government


Published on 2025-03-27 22:00:43 - SBS
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  • Voters are being urged to support the major parties to avoid a 'hung' parliament. But is minority government that bad?

The article from SBS News discusses the concept of a minority government in Australia, which occurs when no single political party secures an outright majority of seats in the House of Representatives. In such scenarios, the government must negotiate with crossbenchers or minor parties to pass legislation, leading to a situation where these smaller groups can exert significant influence over policy. The piece outlines historical examples, like the Gillard government from 2010-2013, which was a minority government supported by the Greens and independents. It explains the potential for policy gridlock, the necessity for compromise, and how minority governments can lead to more scrutinized and potentially more balanced legislation. The article also touches on the stability of minority governments, noting that while they can be less stable, they have managed to govern effectively in the past. Furthermore, it highlights the role of the Senate, where a government might already be accustomed to negotiating with other parties, suggesting that a minority government in the lower house might not be as disruptive as some might fear.

Read the Full SBS Article at:
[ https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-if-no-one-wins-what-to-know-about-minority-government/v6swmoisl ]