For nearly 100 years, Australian politics has played out under one fundamental expectation: voters will elect either a Labor or a Liberal-National government. But rapidly changing demographics and widespread dissatisfaction with the political process are challenging that assumption, and the future of the country’s long-standing political duopoly has never been more uncertain.
When Australia next goes to the polls – most likely in May – the centre-right Liberal National Party (LNP) coalition needs at least 19 additional members of parliament following by-elections and redistributions since the last election to achieve a majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives. Losing just three seats will see the incumbent centre-left Australian Labor Party (ALP) government lose control of the house and the political agenda.