The Australian Democrats, a party which has provided a third voice in the Senate since the late 1970s, look like being wiped out at the federal election. The leadership turmoils following the defection of Cheryl Kernot to Labor saw the parliamentary party ultimately split and public support has plummeted. There seems little doubt that Greens will emerge as the dominant third party in the Senate after this election.
Andrew Bartlett is an ex-leader of the Dems and a Democrat Senator from Queensland and member of the Australian Parliament since 1997. Current polling suggests he is in the race to retain his Senate spot at the election, but it will be a close thing. He could be the last Democrat standing after the election.
His excellent blog - The Bartlett Diaries - aims to make politics more accessible, and provide some insights into the views and life of a federal politician. It also encourages reader’s feedback and comment. To check it out click View button below.