State of the March-April 2011 Senate

Day 1,222, 07:49 • Published in Australia Australia • by Lord TJ
The March-April 2011 Senate

Majority Party (Largest Parliamentary Party)
Australian National Party 42 %

Minority Party: (Largest Opposition Parliamentary Party)
Democratic Socialist Party 17 %

Backbench Parties: (Smallest Opposition Parliamentary Party)
Australian Independents 15 %
Green and Gold Party 15 %
DIY Party of Australia 10 %

Quick look analysis:

ANP returned as majority party, albeit with a reduced majority. The well-led strategy by ANP Party President and defacto Senate Leader Infin secured a strong yield of Senators-elect for the party.

There are some challenges for the AI, GnG and DIYPA parties in the new Senate with the Democratic Socialist Party debut as the largest minority party. Credit where it's due to the DSP as they took home the second-largest seat gain for a first-time run.

The impact on any status quo adjustment on legislative direction is yet to take shape as the DSP gain has been delivered due to retiring Senators (i.e. not running again), those disqualified for relocation reasons and in some cases - picking up the seat from another party.

This will no doubt set up incoming Senator Joshua Whelan with the impetus for achieving the status of defacto Opposition Leader in the new session, unless DIYPA and AI Senators give enough parliamentary support to the GnG to take the lead opposition role. The latter is unlikely.

AI PP Mikhail Alexander was unsuccessful in achieving election, which leaves the Australian Independents without their leader in the Senate.

All eyes will be focused on former AI PP Binda33 as Xavier Griffith's place for being the highest voted candidate has a new title holder. Does this new found fame place her on the list of faves for a future run as Prime Minister? Only time will tell.

Ed note: Now that's over, on an RL note I'll now resume my toast to Kristina in NSW. Well done mate and GL for the future! 😎