National Interest

Here's something for Canberrans to mull over as they prepare to go to the polls: whoever leads the ACT after October 18 will probably have to get along well with the Greens. The proportional representation of the Hare-Clarke electoral system means the Territory's third party may become the king-maker in a future, minority government. It will be a shock to the system for the ALP, which has governed in its own right since 2004. But while all politics may be local, the outcome of the election taps into some interesting political trends in other parts of the country. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has been accused of being arrogant and out-of-touch; a youthful opposition leader, Zed Seselja, has been able to steer his party back from the brink after years of bitter divisions. It all sounds a tad WA - and that's not good for Labor.

Guests

Jon Stanhope
ACT Chief Minister

Zed Seselja
ACT Opposition Leader

Further Information

2008 Australian Capital Territory Election
ABC Elections

Zed Seselja's website

Jon Stanhope's website

Presenter

Peter Mares

Producer

James Panichi

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