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Australian federal election, 2007 All 150 seats of the Australian House of Representatives and 40 (of the 76) seats of the Australian Senate
24 November 2007
		Government	Opposition
Leader		Kevin Rudd	John Howard
Party		Labor	Liberal/National coalition
Leader since		4 December 2006	30 January 1995
Leader's seat		Griffith	Bennelong
Last election		60 seats	87 seats
Seats won		83	65
Seat change		+23	-22
Popular vote		6,545,759	5,874,104
Percentage		52. Federal elections were held in Australia on 9 October, 2004. All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 seats in the 76-member The next Australian federal election will elect members of the 43rd Parliament of Australia and must be held on or before 16 April 2011 The House of Representatives is one of the two houses (chambers of the Parliament of Australia; it is the Lower house, the Upper house being the Senate The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Kevin Michael Rudd (born 21 September 1957 is the 26th and current Prime Minister of Australia and federal leader of the Centre-left Australian Labor See also Howard Government John Winston Howard AC (born 26 July 1939 was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia from 11 March The Coalition in Australian politics refers to a pragmatic grouping of Centre-right parties that has existed in the form of a coalition agreement since 1922 "December 4th" redirects here For the song by Jay-Z, see December 4th (song. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1648 - Eighty Years' War: The Treaty of Münster is signed ending the conflict between the Netherlands and Spain Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 The Division of Griffith is an Australian Electoral Division in Queensland. The Division of Bennelong is an Australian electorate in New South Wales. 70%	47. 30%
Swing		+5. 44	-5. 44
Incumbent PM John Howard Liberal/National coalition PM-Elect Kevin Rudd Labor

Federal elections for the Parliament of Australia were held on Saturday 24 November 2007 after a 6-week campaign, in which 13. See also Howard Government John Winston Howard AC (born 26 July 1939 was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia from 11 March The Coalition in Australian politics refers to a pragmatic grouping of Centre-right parties that has existed in the form of a coalition agreement since 1922 Kevin Michael Rudd (born 21 September 1957 is the 26th and current Prime Minister of Australia and federal leader of the Centre-left Australian Labor The Parliament of Australia or Commonwealth Parliament is the legislative branch of government of Australia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 6 million Australians were enrolled to vote. ^[1] All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 seats in the 76-member Senate were contested in the election. The House of Representatives is one of the two houses (chambers of the Parliament of Australia; it is the Lower house, the Upper house being the Senate The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia.

The opposition centre-left Australian Labor Party, led by Kevin Rudd and deputy leader Julia Gillard, defeated the incumbent centre-right coalition government, led by Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister John Howard and Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile, which had been in power since the 1996 election. Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, commonly known as The Opposition, in Australia fulfils the same function as the Official opposition The centre-left (or center-left) is a political term commonly used to describe or denote individuals political parties or organizations (such as Think Kevin Michael Rudd (born 21 September 1957 is the 26th and current Prime Minister of Australia and federal leader of the Centre-left Australian Labor Julia Eileen Gillard (born 29 September 1961 is the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and deputy leader of the federal Australian Labor Party (ALP The centre-right is a political term commonly used to describe or denote individuals political parties or organizations (such as Think tanks whose views The Coalition in Australian politics refers to a pragmatic grouping of Centre-right parties that has existed in the form of a coalition agreement since 1922 The Liberal Party of Australia is an Australian political party. The Prime Minister of Australia is the Head of government of the Commonwealth of Australia, holding office on commission from the Governor-General. See also Howard Government John Winston Howard AC (born 26 July 1939 was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia from 11 March The National Party of Australia is an Australian political party. The Deputy Prime Minister of Australia is the second-most senior officer in the Government of Australia. Mark Anthony James Vaile (born 18 April 1956) Australian politician is a former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and former leader of the House of Reps preference flows The Democrats contested 138 electorates with preferences slightly favouring Labor (54 ^[2]

Results

House results

See also: State-by-state lower house results and maps

See also: Post-election pendulum

See also: Members

*McEwen is being challenged in the Court of Disputed Returns and is likely to face a by-election. The Division of McEwen is an Australian Electoral Division in the state of Victoria. The Court of Disputed Returns in Australia is a jurisdiction established by Part XXII of the Commonwealth Electoral Act A by-election or bye-election (called special election in the United States) is an Election held to fill a political office that has become vacant

Independents: Tony Windsor, Bob Katter

The front page of The Sunday Territorian at a corner store in the Northern Territory the day after the election indicating the outcome, with the marginal local seat of Solomon not being claimed until December 7. Antony Harold Curties "Tony" Windsor (born 2 September 1950) Australian politician has been an independent member of the House of Representatives Robert Carl "Bob" Katter (born 22 May 1945) is an Australian federal politician Northern Territory News is a morning Tabloid Newspaper based in Darwin, Australia. The Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the center of the mainland continent as well as the central northern regions The Division of Solomon is an Australian Electoral Division in the Northern Territory.

At 10. 29pm AEST on 24 November 2007, approximately two hours after the last polls in Western Australia closed, Liberal Deputy Leader Peter Costello conceded that the Coalition had lost government. Standard time was introduced into Australia in the 1890s when all colonies adopted standard times Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Western Australia is a state occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957 is an Australian politician The Coalition in Australian politics refers to a pragmatic grouping of Centre-right parties that has existed in the form of a coalition agreement since 1922 At 10. 36pm, John Howard delivered a speech at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney to concede defeat. See also Howard Government John Winston Howard AC (born 26 July 1939 was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia from 11 March Sofitel is a luxury French Hotel chain managed by Accor. It operates 192 hotels internationally on all six inhabited Continents He accepted full responsibility for the coalition's defeat. At 11. 05pm, Kevin Rudd delivered his victory speech. Kevin Michael Rudd (born 21 September 1957 is the 26th and current Prime Minister of Australia and federal leader of the Centre-left Australian Labor

Labor won 83 of the 150 seats in the incoming House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is one of the two houses (chambers of the Parliament of Australia; it is the Lower house, the Upper house being the Senate ^[5][2] This represented a 23 seat swing to Labor. ^[6] The Liberals won 55 while the Nationals won 10, with two seats retained by independents. On preferences, 79. 7 percent of Green votes flowed to Labor, 60. 3 percent of Family First votes flowed to the coalition, with 62. 5 percent of Democrat votes flowing to Labor. ^[7] In the seat of McEwen, incumbent Liberal MP Fran Bailey was initially found to have lost to former Labor state MP Rob Mitchell by six votes. The Division of McEwen is an Australian Electoral Division in the state of Victoria. Frances Esther "Fran" Bailey (born 21 May 1946) is an Australian politician and Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives Robert George "Rob" Mitchell (born 9 September 1967) is an Australian politician ^[8] Bailey subsequently requested and was granted a full recount, which resulted in her retaining the seat by twelve votes. ^[9] Labor has taken the result to the Court of Disputed Returns. The Court of Disputed Returns in Australia is a jurisdiction established by Part XXII of the Commonwealth Electoral Act ^[10]

Labor finished with a 52. 70 percent two party preferred figure, a 5. The Mackerras Pendulum was devised by the Australian psephologist Malcolm Mackerras as a way of predicting the outcome of an election contested between 44 percent swing from 2004. Considering two party estimates going back to the 1949 election, the swing to Labor in 2007 is the third largest two party swing, behind Malcolm Fraser and the coalition in 1975 on 7. Electoral reform As of this election single transferrable vote with Proportional representation became the method for electing the Senate John Malcolm Fraser, AC, CH (born 21 May 1930 is an Australian Liberal politician who was the 22nd Prime Minister of Australia. Federal elections were held in Australia on 13 December 1975 All 127 seats in the House of Representatives, and all 64 seats in the Senate were up for 4 per cent, and Gough Whitlam and Labor in 1969 on 7. Edward Gough Whitlam, AC, QC (born 11 July 1916 known as Gough Whitlam (ˈɡɒf goff is an Australian former politician and 21st Issues The 1969 election centred heavily on the two leaders John Gorton and Gough Whitlam 1 per cent. The swing is the largest since 1983, when full preference counting was introduced to create an exact two party figure, and the largest swing to occur in the absence of a recession, political or military crisis. Background The coalition government led by Malcolm Fraser had to contend with a parlous economic situation with high inflation and high unemployment ^[11]

Western Australia went against the national trend, with the Liberals suffering a 2. 14% swing against them—lower than all except Tasmania and the ACT—but yet gaining one net seat. The weaker Labor performance was attributed to the strong economy and voters' unwillingness to do anything which might risk their present prosperity—a sentiment played to by Liberal campaigning strategies—and also the behaviour of union officials Kevin Reynolds and Joe McDonald who had made headlines during the campaign. Kevin Reynolds is the Western Australian state secretary for the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU ^[12]

Defeat of the Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Howard lost his own seat of Bennelong to Labor candidate Maxine McKew, becoming only the second sitting Prime Minister, and the third party leader, since Federation to be defeated in his own electorate. The Division of Bennelong is an Australian electorate in New South Wales. Maxine Margaret McKew MP (born 22 July 1953 is an Australian politician and the Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care in the First Rudd Ministry (PM Stanley Bruce lost his seat in 1929 and National Party leader Charles Blunt in 1990). Stanley Melbourne Bruce 1st Viscount Bruce of Melbourne, CH, MC, FRS, PC (15 April 1883&ndash25 August 1967 was an Australian politician and Charles William Blunt (born 19 January 1951) Australian politician and businessman was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and graduated Howard had held the seat since 1974, and it had been in Liberal hands ever since its creation in 1949. After much speculation, McKew finished with a primary vote of 45. 33 percent, and a two party preferred figure of 51. The Mackerras Pendulum was devised by the Australian psephologist Malcolm Mackerras as a way of predicting the outcome of an election contested between 40 percent, a 5. 53 percent swing from 2004. This swing is within the current boundaries; Bennelong was redistributed after the 2004 election. ^[13] In his concession speech, Howard said it was "very likely" that McKew had defeated him,^[14] though he and McKew both agreed the margin was very tight. ^[15] The Australian Broadcasting Corporation listed Bennelong as a Labor gain on election night, and ABC election analyst Antony Green said there was "no doubt" McKew had won. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly abbreviated to the 'ABC' is Australia's national public broadcaster. Antony Green is an election commentator for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC ^[16] McKew did not claim victory until a week after the election;^[17] a few days earlier, Rudd named her as a parliamentary secretary (assistant minister) to be appointed on 3 December. A Parliamentary Secretary is a member of a Parliament in the Westminster system who assists a more senior minister with their duties ^[18]

Four other Howard ministers were defeated — Mal Brough, De-Anne Kelly, Gary Nairn and Teresa Gambaro. Malcolm Thomas "Mal" Brough (pronounced /bɹʌf/ Bruff) (born 29 December 1961) is a former Australian politician and Liberal De-Anne Margaret Kelly (born 21 March 1954) was an Australian politician Gary Roy Nairn (born 3 January 1951 was an Australian politician Teresa Gambaro (born 29 November 1958) former Australian politician was the Liberal member for Petrie, Queensland in

Senate results

See also: State-by-state upper house results

See also: Members

Independents: Nick Xenophon

Labor and the coalition won 18 seats each in the half-Senate election. Nicholas (Nick Xenophon, originally Nicholas Xenophou, (born 29 January 1959 in Adelaide) is a South Australian barrister anti-gambling The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. The Greens won three seats, with independent Nick Xenophon being elected on primary votes alone. Nicholas (Nick Xenophon, originally Nicholas Xenophou, (born 29 January 1959 in Adelaide) is a South Australian barrister anti-gambling This brings the 76-member Senate total to 37 coalition, 32 Labor, 5 Green, 1 Family First, and 1 independent. With a majority being 39 senators, when the new Senate meets after 1 July 2008, the balance of power will be shared between Xenophon, Family First's Steve Fielding and the five Greens. In Parliamentary politics the term balance of power sometimes describes the pragmatic mechanism exercised by a minor Political party or other grouping whose guaranteed Steven Fielding (born 17 October 1960) is a Victorian Senator and the Federal parliamentary leader of the Family First Party Xenophon, although reported as left-of-centre,^[21] has indicated his plans to work closely with renegade Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce. Barnaby Thomas Gerald Joyce (born 17 April 1967) Australian politician has been a National Party member of the Australian Senate ^[22] If sufficient coalition senators vote for government legislation, support from the crossbench will not be required.

Compared to the previous Senate, the Greens gained one (losing Kerry Nettle in NSW but gaining Sarah Hanson-Young in SA and Scott Ludlam in WA), a new Independent was elected (Xenophon), and Labor gained four seats. Kerry Michelle Nettle (born 24 December 1973) is a former Australian Senator and member of the Australian Greens in New South Sarah Coral Hanson-Young (born 23 December 1981) is an Australian politician Scott Ludlam (born 10 January 1970) is an Australian politician The Coalition lost two, and the Democrats lost all four of their seats.

After preferences were distributed, the Coalition had 41. 5 percent to Labor's 40. 6 percent, with the Greens on 11. 7 percent, while the fourth parties, mostly from the right, had 6. 2 percent. ^[23]

The informal rate of 2. 55 percent ties with the 1993 election as the lowest informal rate in the Senate since federation. The introduction of the group voting ticket at the 1984 election saw the number of informal votes drop dramatically. Group voting tickets are a way to simplify Preferential voting, for example in a single transferable vote election

Post-election

The disproportionality of the 2007 election was 10. 28 according to the Gallagher Index, mainly between the Labor and Green Parties. The Gallagher Index (or least squares index) is used to measure the disproportionality of an electoral outcome that is the difference between the percentage of votes received

See also: 2007 Liberal leadership election

See also: First Rudd Ministry

See also: Shadow Cabinet

The Labor caucus met on Thursday 29 November 2007 to confirm the First Rudd Ministry, which was sworn in on 3 December. An election for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Australia was held on 29 November 2007 The First Rudd Ministry ( Australian Labor Party) is the 65th Australian ministry. The Shadow Cabinet of Australia, also known as the Opposition Front Bench is a group of senior Opposition spokespeople who form an alternative cabinet to the Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The First Rudd Ministry ( Australian Labor Party) is the 65th Australian ministry. Events 1800 - War of the Second Coalition: Battle of Hohenlinden, French ^[24] In a departure from Labor tradition, the ministry was selected by Kevin Rudd as the Prime Minister, rather than by Caucus. ^[25]

Following his loss at the election, Howard announced that he would retire immediately, and the Liberal Party began the process of nominating a new leader. Peter Costello, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, and long regarded as Howard's natural successor, stated that he would not run for Liberal leadership. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957 is an Australian politician ^[26] The previous Defence Minister Brendan Nelson and former Environmental Minister Malcolm Turnbull both contested the Liberal leadership. Brendan John Nelson, MP (born 19 August 1958 is an Australian politician and former Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Australia, as leader Malcolm Bligh Turnbull (born 24 October 1954 is an Australian politician the current Leader of the Opposition in the Australian Parliament, and parliamentary ^[27] Former Health Minister Tony Abbott withdrew from the leadership contesting on Wednesday 28 November after initially indicating he would stand. Anthony John "Tony" Abbott (born 4 November 1957 Australian politician is the current Shadow Minister for Families Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in the ^[28] Former Education Minister Julie Bishop contested the deputy leadership position, and has also defended the outgoing Coalition government's WorkChoices legislation. Julie Isabel Bishop (born 17 July, 1956) Australian politician and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Australia as deputy leader The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most ^[29] Other contenders for the deputy leadership were Andrew Robb and Christopher Pyne. Andrew John Robb AO (born 20 August 1951 Australian politician was elected to the House of Representatives as member for the Division of Goldstein Christopher Maurice Pyne MP (born 13 August, 1967) Australian politician has been a Liberal member of the Australian House

Brendan Nelson was elected leader 45 votes to 42, and Julie Bishop was elected deputy leader in a Liberal party room meeting on Thursday 29 November 2007. Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[30] Newspoll taken after the Liberal leadership change revealed a Preferred Prime Minister rating of Rudd 61 percent to Nelson 14 percent, with Turnbull twice as popular as Nelson. ^[31] Newspoll's subsequent polling saw new Newspoll records set, at 70 percent for the best rating for Preferred Prime Minister, to 9 percent for the worst rating for Preferred Prime Minister, with the next poll results revealing another record of 73 to 7 percent. A new two party preferred record was also set, at 63 to 37 percent Labor's way. The Mackerras Pendulum was devised by the Australian psephologist Malcolm Mackerras as a way of predicting the outcome of an election contested between

Post-election, ALP secretary Tim Gartrell commented on pre-election campaign billboard ads featuring a picture of John Howard stating "Working families in Australia have never been better off" which looked like Liberal Party advertisements were actually paid for by the Labor Party. Tim Gartrell is the current National Secretary of the Australian Labor Party. ^[32][33] Liberal leader Brendan Nelson declared that the Liberal Party had listened and learned from the Australian public, and has declared WorkChoices "dead", and has called on the new Rudd Labor Government to move quickly to introduce draft industrial relations legislation. Brendan John Nelson, MP (born 19 August 1958 is an Australian politician and former Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Australia, as leader The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most ^[34]

Seats changing hands

The following table indicates seats that changed hands from one party to another at this election. ^[35] It compares the election results with the previous margins, taking into account the redistribution in New South Wales and Queensland. As a result, it includes the newly created electorate of Flynn, and the existing Parramatta, which was retained by Labor despite becoming a notional Liberal seat due to boundary changes. The Division of Flynn is an Australian Electoral Division in Queensland. The Division of Parramatta is an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales. The table does not include Gwydir, which was abolished in the redistribution, Macquarie, which was reclassified from safe Liberal to marginal Labor and was subsequently won by Labor, and Calare, the seat of Independent MHR Peter Andren, which was reclassified as a National seat by the redistribution and was won by the National Party. The Division of Gwydir was an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales. The Division of Macquarie is an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales. The Division of Calare is an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales. Peter James Andren AM ( 28 August 1946 &ndash 3 November 2007) was an Australian politician

Key dates

• Prorogation of 41st Parliament: 12 noon, 15 October^[36]
• Dissolution of House of Representatives: 12 noon, 17 October^[37]
• Issue of electoral writs: 17 October ^[38]
• Close of rolls (if not currently on roll): 8 p. Nicholas David "Nick" Champion (born February 27 1972 in Kapunda, South Australia) is the ALP Member of the Australian A parliamentary session is a period of time where the Legislature in a Parliamentary government is sitting Events 533 - Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the In Parliamentary systems a dissolution of parliament is the dispersal of a Legislature at the call of an Election. A writ of election is a Writ issued by the Government ordering the holding of a special Election for a governmental Office. In Law, a writ is a formal written order issued by a body with administrative or judicial Jurisdiction. The electoral roll (or electoral register) is a listing of all those registered to vote in a particular area m. , 17 October^[39]
• Close of rolls (if currently on roll and updating details): 8 p. Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost m. , 23 October
• Close of nominations: 12 noon, 1 November
• Declaration of nominations: 12 noon, 2 November
• Polling Day: 24 November^[40][41]
• Territory senators begin their terms: 24 November 2007
• Return of writs: 21 December ^[42]
• First meeting of the 42nd Parliament: 12 February 2008^[43]
• New state senators begin their terms: 1 July 2008

Under the provisions of the Constitution, the current House of Representatives may continue for a maximum of three years from the first meeting of the House after the previous federal election. Events 4004 BC - Creation of the world begins according to the calculations of Archbishop James Ussher 42 BC - Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Events 1570 - A Tidal wave in the North Sea devastates the coast from Holland to Jutland, killing more than 1000 Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Events 1429 - English Forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orleans from attack by the 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The Constitution of Australia is the law under which the Australian Commonwealth Government operates The first meeting of the 41st Parliament after the 2004 election was on 16 November 2004, hence the parliament would have expired on 15 November 2007 had it not been dissolved earlier. Federal elections were held in Australia on 9 October, 2004. All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 seats in the 76-member Events 534 - A second and final revision of the Codex Justinianus is published "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 655 - Battle of Winwaed: Penda of Mercia is defeated by Oswiu of Northumbria. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. There must be a minimum of 33 days and a maximum of 68 days between the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the day of the election. ^[44] Prime Minister Howard opted for a 39-day campaign.

The Prime Minister of the day chooses the election date and requests the Governor-General to dissolve the House and issue the writs for the election. The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia is the representative in Australia of the monarch of Australia (currently Elizabeth II Queen of Australia) On 14 October, John Howard gained the agreement of the Governor-General, Major-General Michael Jeffery, to dissolve the House of Representatives and hold a general election for the House and half the Senate on 24 November 2007. Events 1066 - Norman Conquest: Battle of Hastings - In England on Senlac Hill seven miles from Hastings, the forces Major General Philip Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC (born 12 December[[ 937]] was the 24th Governor-General of Australia Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[45]

During the last term of parliament before the 2007 election, the deadline for new voter enrollment was brought forward from 7 working days after the issue of the writ to the same day. When the election was announced, the writ was not issued the next day, but on the following Wednesday. This kept the roll open for three days, during which 77,000 enrolment additions were processed. ^[46]

Election campaign

Week 1

Kevin Rudd campaigning with Labor candidate Kerry Rea in Bonner on 21 September 2007. Kerry Marie Rea (born 16 April 1963) is an Australian politician The Division of Bonner is an Australian Electoral Division in Queensland.

John Howard announced the election at a press conference in Canberra on Sunday 14 October, after meeting the Governor-General at Government House. Canberra ( is the capital city of Australia With a population of over 340000 it is Australia's largest inland City. Government House Canberra, commonly known as Yarralumla, is the Official residence of the Governor-General of Australia, located in the suburb His theme concentrated on leadership, stating that the nation "does not need new leadership, it does not need old leadership. It needs the right leadership". ^[47] He also stated that his government would strive to achieve full employment, something he argued was less likely to eventuate under Kevin Rudd. ^[48] In his response, Rudd also concentrated on leadership, outlining his case for "new leadership”. He argued that the government had 'lost touch' with the electorate, and that his party was best suited to deal with challenges that lie ahead.

Polls during the week varied in terms of the scale of Labor's lead. Galaxy showed a Labor 53-47% Coalition 2PP result, with a 2% gap on primaries,^[49] while ACNielsen saw a 2% swing to the coalition, reducing Labor's lead to 54-46. Rudd dropped 5% as preferred Prime Minister. However, a Newspoll sampling 1700 voters taken over the weekend prior to the leaders' debate saw a swing to Labor, increasing their 2PP lead to 58%, a rise of 2%. Labor's primary vote was up 3%, to 51%, with the Liberals down by 2%, to 34%. Rudd extended his lead by 2%, to 50%, with Howard down by 2%, to 37%. ^[50]

On the first full day of the campaign, Howard and Costello announced a 'major restructuring of the income tax system' with tax cuts worth $35 billion over three years and a tax cut "goal" for the next five years. ^[51] A few days later, Rudd released his alternative policy which supported the reform measures, however offered education and health tax rebates instead of immediate cuts to the top rate as proposed by the Liberal Party, instead favouring a slower progression for the top rate. ^[52]

The Liberals slogan, "go for growth" was launched after announcing the largest tax cut in Australian history. ^[53][54] Media and political commentators questioned the suitability of the slogan in the context of rising inflation and interest rates. ^[55]

During the latter part of the week attention was drawn to the question of union influence over the ALP after the launch of the Liberal party's first campaign ads. Labor responded with commercials attacking the Liberal's campaign as 'smears'. This was disputed by John Howard. One of the Liberal Party election commercials had to be corrected after it falsely accused Wayne Swan and Craig Emerson of previously being union officials. Wayne Maxwell Swan (born 30 June 1954 is an Australian politician Craig Anthony Emerson (born 15 November 1954) Australian politician has been an Australian Labor Party member of the Australian House ^[56]

Leaders' debate

See The Great Debate 2007 with the Worm in full.

A debate between the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister, under the moderation of the National Press Club, was shown live on ABC TV, the Nine Network, and Sky News Australia at 7. The National Press Club is an association of primarily news Journalists but also includes academics business people and members of the public service and is based in Canberra ABC Television is a service of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation launched in 1956 The Nine Network, or Channel Nine, is an Australian television network based in Willoughby, a suburb on the North Shore of Sydney Sky News Australia is an Australian 24 hour Cable and Satellite news channel available on Foxtel, Austar, Optus Television 30pm on 21 October. Events 1512 - Martin Luther joins the theological faculty of the University of Wittenberg. 2. 4 million Australians watched the event, with Nine averaging 1. 42 million, the ABC averaging 907,000, and Sky News averaging 62,000. Nine's program was the third most watched show of the night after National Bingo Night on Seven (1. 56 million) and a repeat episode of Kath and Kim, also on Seven (1. Kath & Kim is a Logie Award -winning character-driven Australian Television Comedy series created by Jane Turner and 48 million. ) The last election debate in 2004 pulled in 1. 77 million on Nine and the ABC, while in 2001, average audiences on Nine, Seven and the ABC totalled 2. 44 million. ^[57][58]

David Speers, Sky News's political editor, moderated the debate which was held in the Great Hall of Parliament House. David Speers is an Australian Journalist and the political editor at Sky News Australia. Parliament House is the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia. Parliament House is the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia. The debate audience was 400, with the Coalition and Labor each selecting 200. Nine had a separate group of 80 purportedly 'swinging' voters (chosen by McNair Research) in its studio to control 'the Worm'. The " worm " is a Market research analysis tool developed by Roy Morgan Research (who called it The Reactor with the purpose of gauging an audience's reaction Steps were taken to ensure equal numbers so as not to taint the Worm. At one point, Peter Costello was reprimanded for interjecting. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957 is an Australian politician ^[59]

The Nine Network, which broadcast the debate as an extended edition of 60 Minutes, attracted controversy for using the Worm in its broadcast despite prior objections from the Liberal Party and action from the National Press Club to cease its video feed. 60 Minutes premiered 11 February 1979. It airs on Sunday nights on the Nine Network. As a result, the Nine Network's feed was cut part of the way into the broadcast, which it replaced with Sky News's coverage. ^[60] The Nine television network's live audience, via the Worm's average, scored the debate 65 to 29 in Rudd's favour,^[61] with 6 per cent remaining undecided. Both sides, however, claimed victory. ^[62]

Kevin Rudd used part of the debate to argue that the Liberal Party was being influenced by the H. R. Nicholls Society to make further reforms to industrial relations, citing Nick Minchin's attendance to last year's H. The HR Nicholls Society is a Australian Think tank of the New Right on Industrial relations. Nicholas Hugh Minchin (born 15 April 1953) Australian politician has been a Liberal member of the Australian Senate since July 1993 R. Nicholls Society conference, where he told the audience that the coalition "knew its reform to WorkChoices were not popular but the process of change must continue",^[63] and that "there is still a long way to go. The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most . . awards, the IR commission, all the rest of it. . . "^[64] Countering the Liberal Party message that 70 per cent of Labor's front bench is made up of former union officials, Rudd stated that 70 per cent of Liberal Party ministers were either lawyers or former Liberal Party staffers. ^[65] On the same day, Peter Costello was tripped up by ABC's Insiders, admitting that the 70 per cent figure was in reference to union members rather than union officials. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957 is an Australian politician ^[66][67]

Week 2

Inflation figures were released on Tuesday, showing stronger than expected underlying inflation of 3 per cent, a key indicator for the Reserve Bank. In economics inflation or price inflation is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services over a period of time The Reserve Bank of Australia came into being on 14 January 1960 to operate as Australia 's Central bank and banknote issuing authority ^[68] In arguing that there was no case for an increase in interest rates, Treasurer Peter Costello described underlying inflation as one of several "technical measures", and that the overall annual headline CPI increase of 1. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957 is an Australian politician CPI redirects here For other uses see CPI (disambiguation. A consumer price index ( CPI) is a measure of the average price of consumer 9 per cent showed that the economy was running smoothly. ^[69] However, some economists criticised this outlook for glossing over the underlying inflation figures. ^[70]

Controversy arose over the Coalition's climate change policy, with The Financial Review citing "government sources" who claimed Turnbull told Cabinet six weeks ago it should sign the Kyoto Protocol. The Australian Financial Review is the leading Business Newspaper in Australia which is published daily from Monday to Saturday in a Tabloid The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the international Framework Convention on Climate Change with the objective of reducing Greenhouse gases in an effort Neither Howard nor Turnbull denied the story. The story said that "internal critics" are claiming Turnbull is "selfishly positioning himself for a Coalition defeat" and a "possible post-poll leadership battle with Treasurer Peter Costello". The story led to claims of major splits in Cabinet. ^[71]

Labor also suffered from mixed messages. Kevin Rudd was compelled to clarify Labor policy on climate change after an interview in which Peter Garrett suggested Labor would sign up to the post-Kyoto agreement at 2012 even if carbon-emitting developing countries did not. Peter Robert Garrett AM MP (born 16 April 1953) is an Australian Musician and Politician. Rudd's comments, which he described as having "always been [Labor's] position", saw Labor's policy move closer to Liberal policy, insofar as Labor would ratify the agreement only after persuading all major carbon emitters, developing and developed, to ratify. ^[72][73][74] Rudd also committed Labor to a target of a 20 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020, a 5 per cent increase on the Liberal target, assisted by the use of renewable energy, but without the use of clean coal, arguing that it would ultimately be a benefit, not a detriment to the economy. Renewable energy is Energy generated from Natural resources mdashsuch as Sunlight, Wind, Rain, tides and geothermal Clean coal is an Umbrella term used in the promotion of the use of Coal as an energy source by emphasizing methods being developed to reduce its environmental impact

Week 3

Election meetings can be low key affairs in Australia. Here the four candidates who took the opportunity to address electors at a meeting two weeks out from polling day in the Division of Chifley take questions. The Division of Chifley is an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales.

Debate on climate change policy continued, with John Howard stating the Coalition would not match the Labor's promise of 20 per cent renewable energy target. Howard claimed Labor's policy "imposes too many additional costs to industry". Peter Garrett replied that lack of government action has cost jobs. Peter Robert Garrett AM MP (born 16 April 1953) is an Australian Musician and Politician. ^[75] It was also reported that a recommendation by Howard's Environment Minister in 2005 for higher renewable energy targets, on the basis that 15 per cent was insufficient, was rejected at the time. Howard declined to confirm or deny this. ^[76]

The Coalition announced a promise to open 50 new emergency medical centres around Australia if re-elected. Adding to the campaign trend of both major parties criticising their opponent for plagiarism and "me-tooism", Labor responded that the government had copied its policy. ^[77]

Peter Garrett drew criticism from the Coalition when radio announcer Steve Price, revealed Garrett said, in conversation with a third party, "once we get in we'll just change it all" in reference to copying Coalition policies. Steve Price is a radio broadcaster currently working for 2UE in Sydney. Garrett acknowledged making the comment during a "short, jocular and casual" conversation. The third party to the conversation, Richard Wilkins, supported Garrett's view, saying that it was a "light-hearted throwaway line". Richard Stephen Wilkins (born 19 June 1954 in New Zealand) is a Television presenter on Today on the Nine Network ^[78]

Tim Costello, director of World Vision Australia and Peter Costello's brother, criticised Australia's overseas aid ranking at 19th of 22 OECD countries and government unwillingness to match Labor's commitment of overseas aid of 0. Timothy Ewen Costello, AO (born March 4, 1955) is a prominent Baptist minister, director of World Vision Australia World Vision, founded in the United States in 1951 is an international Christian relief and development organization whose stated goal 5 per cent of national GDP. ^[79] Howard said his party planned to lift the rate to 3. 5 per cent, despite the Coalition's policy of 0. 35 per cent. ^[80]

Commentators pronounced Peter Costello and Wayne Swan's debate on October 30 as ending in a draw. Peter Howard Costello (born 14 August 1957 is an Australian politician Wayne Maxwell Swan (born 30 June 1954 is an Australian politician Costello focused mainly on the government's past record, advocating the need for Australia to build into the future, while Swan said Labor were interested in "investing in people". ^[81] Howard said he believed Costello "creamed" his opponent, while Rudd said Swan did a "fantastic job". ^[82]

Liberal Tony Abbott and Labor's Nicola Roxon publicly debated health at the National Press Club on ABC television. Anthony John "Tony" Abbott (born 4 November 1957 Australian politician is the current Shadow Minister for Families Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in the Nicola Louise Roxon (born 1 April 1967) is an Australian politician and is the Minister for Health and Ageing. Abbott's character and ministerial capacity were questioned by Roxon for insulting dying asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton and arriving 35 minutes late to debate. Bernard Douglas (Bernie Banton AM (1946 &ndash 27 November 2007) was an Australian social justice campaigner At the end of the debate, Abbott's swearing at Ms Roxon drew attention when she claimed he "could have arrived on time" if he had "really wanted to", a comment which Abbott described as "bullshit". ^{[83][84][85][86]} Former Liberal campaign strategist Sue Cato stated "you just don't run late for things like that". ^[87] Abbott did apologise to Mr Banton but refused to apologise to Ms Roxon. ^[88]

Week 4

On November 10, the Australian Democrats held their campaign launch in Melbourne. The Australian Democrats is an Australian Political party espousing a centrist or Social liberal ideology ^[89]

In an election campaign first, the Reserve Bank of Australia adjusted the interest rate upwards by another 0. The Reserve Bank of Australia came into being on 14 January 1960 to operate as Australia 's Central bank and banknote issuing authority 25 per cent, the sixth rise since the last election, to a 10-year high of 6. 75 per cent. ^[90][91] The Coalition used the figures to argue that that only the current government had the proper experienced team to manage the economy in future, less prosperous years. ^[92] Costello argued that the inflationary reasons for the rate rise were "outside the control of a Government". ^[93] In response, Labor accused the Coalition of having "hauled up the white flag in the fight against inflation", saying that they had backflipped from their past statements that they could keep interest rates low. ^[94] Howard stated that he was sorry for the negative consequences for and burden on Australian borrowers,^[95] but subsequently denied that this constituted an apology for the rate rise itself. ^[96]

On November 7, Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey and Labor's Julia Gillard debated industrial relations including WorkChoices at the National Press Club in Canberra. Joseph Benedict "Joe" Hockey (born 2 August 1965) Australian politician is the former Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Eileen Gillard (born 29 September 1961 is the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and deputy leader of the federal Australian Labor Party (ALP The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most After an interest rate rise of 0. 25 per cent earlier in the morning Hockey argued that Labor's policy to scrap Workchoices was the Australia's biggest threat to inflation. ^[97] On November 8, Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull and opposition spokesman Peter Garrett debated environment issues at the National Press Club in Canberra. Malcolm Bligh Turnbull (born 24 October 1954 is an Australian politician the current Leader of the Opposition in the Australian Parliament, and parliamentary Peter Robert Garrett AM MP (born 16 April 1953) is an Australian Musician and Politician. Garrett attacked the government's record on climate change to which Turnbull retaliated that Garrett's current claims betray his previous career as a political activist. ^[98]

Week 5

Both major party election campaign official launches took place in Brisbane, Queensland, with the Liberal Party on Monday 12 November^[99] and the Labor Party on Wednesday 14 November. Brisbane ( is the state capital of Queensland. Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia and the most populous city of Queensland Events 764 - Tibetan troops occupy Chang'an, the capital of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, for fifteen days Events 1533 - Conquistadors from Spain under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro arrive in Cajamarca, Inca ^[100]

The coalition pledged a rebate for education costs, including private school fees, of all Australian children, totalling $9. 4 billion. Primary school students will be eligible for $400 whilst secondary school students will be eligible for $800. Also offered were tax breaks worth $1. 6 billion over four years in attempts to encourage people to save for first homes, $652 million for child care, and $158 million to support carers. ^[101]

The Labor Party committed to a quarter of the $9. 4 billion spending in an attempt to keep inflation down, accusing the Howard government of being "irresponsible". Rudd committed Labor to an additional 65,000 apprenticeships, all schools to be migrated to new high speed broadband, and all year 9-12 students to have access to their own computer, in addition to previous education reimbursement funding announcements. Also announced were a doubling of the number of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships available at a tertiary level, as well as re-iterating the party's view on climate change and WorkChoices. Climate change is any long-term significant change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most ^[102]

The Labor Party released footage on Thursday November 15 to Lateline, showing amateur civilian footage of Tony Abbott addressing a room of people, stating "I accept that certain protections, in inverted commas, are not what they were" in reference to the contentious WorkChoices legislation. Anthony John "Tony" Abbott (born 4 November 1957 Australian politician is the current Shadow Minister for Families Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in the The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most In reference to award structures, Abbott went on to say "I accept that that has largely gone. I accept that. " Abbott stands by the comments that WorkChoices means "certain protections" are not what they used to be,^[103] but at the same time denied ever conceding workers had lost protections,^[104] and denounced the video released by Labor as a "cut-and-paste job". ^[105]

A report by the National Audit Office found that the coalition had been interfering in the $328 million regional grants program, with a bias toward their marginal seats, where projects under the Regional Partnerships Program were apparently approved without proper assessment, or none at all, and that there was a surge of approvals prior to the 2004 election. ^[106][107]

Week 6

Liberal Party banners displayed at polling booths on election day featuring slogans "WALL-TO-WALL LABOR" and "ECONOMY AT RISK" to discourage people from voting Labor. With all Australian states and territories governed by Labor since 2002, a federal Labor victory became the first time the party concurrently held all federal, state and territory governments.

With Newspoll revealing Labor's 2PP vote down one to 54 per cent, former Liberal Party campaign director Lynton Crosby said that the coalition was "closing in on Labor" in the final week and could "still win a tight election" on a campaign of defending marginal seats, declaring a win still possible on 48. Lynton Crosby AO is an Australian political strategist Having masterminded four successive election victories for John Howard, he has been described as a "master 5 per cent of the 2PP vote. ^[108]

On November 20th, Prime Minister John Howard was forced to defend the federal government's substantial advertising spending in the months prior to the campaign, paid for with public money. Such advertising, covering topics including the controversial "Workchoices", cost some $360 million in less than 18 months. ^[109] An article in the November 20 issue of the Herald Sun suggested that spending could have been even greater, up to $500 million, though this took a broader view of what was included in that sum. Mr Howard also came under fire for hiding documents written by his department about possible further amendments to the government's WorkChoices legislation. The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most ^[110] The Seven Network had attempted to obtain the documents under Freedom of Information but were denied access. The Seven Network is an Australian television network, owned by the Seven Media Group. A key issue in the 2007 election is the possibility of WorkChoices being expanded, a possibility that the Coalition denied. ^[110] Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce stated that the possibility of him crossing the floor to support Labor's amendments to WorkChoices remained open, stating he would judge all legislation on its merits, before he was lambasted by Nationals leader Mark Vaile. Barnaby Thomas Gerald Joyce (born 17 April 1967) Australian politician has been a National Party member of the Australian Senate Mark Anthony James Vaile (born 18 April 1956) Australian politician is a former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and former leader of the ^[111]

On 21 November, three days before the election, in what became known as the Lindsay pamphlet scandal, five people were caught in the electorate of Lindsay distributing fake pamphlets purporting to be from a nonexistent Islamic group, thanking the Labor Party for supporting the Bali bombers and encouraging people to vote for Labor. Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. The Lindsay pamphlet scandal is an Australian electoral scandal in which Liberal Party volunteers distributed fake election pamphlets claiming to be from an The Division of Lindsay is an Australian Electoral Division in the state of New South Wales. The 2002 Bali bombings occurred on 12 October 2002 in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali. They included a member of the Liberals' state executive, Jeff Egan; Gary Clark, husband of retiring MP Jackie Kelly; and Greg Chijoff, the husband of Lindsay candidate Karen Chijoff. Jeff Egan is a right-faction powerbroker for the Liberal Party in New South Wales, Australia. Jacqueline Marie (Jackie Kelly (born February 18, 1964) former Australian politician was a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives Karen Chijoff was an Australian political candidate for the seat in the Division of Lindsay, for the Liberal Party of Australia in the 2007 Australian ^[112] Kelly tried to dismiss the incident as a "Chaser-style prank"^[113] but John Howard condemned the statement. The Chaser is an Australian satirical comedian group most famous for their television programmes on ABC TV. ^[114] Egan and Greg Chijoff were immediately expelled from the Liberal Party a day before John Howard's address to the Australian Press Club;^[115] nevertheless, Egan denied any wrongdoing. ^[114] Court cases are progressing. The Lindsay pamphlet scandal is an Australian electoral scandal in which Liberal Party volunteers distributed fake election pamphlets claiming to be from an

Government frontbencher Andrew Robb announced that up to 13 Labor candidates standing in the election may be ineligible for nomination, citing a clause of the Constitution which states that parliamentarians are not permitted to hold an "office of profit under the crown". Andrew John Robb AO (born 20 August 1951 Australian politician was elected to the House of Representatives as member for the Division of Goldstein The Constitution of Australia is the law under which the Australian Commonwealth Government operates Robb claimed that a "search of public records" indicated that the 13 candidates may have still been employed by government agencies, boards or offices, and that the Liberal Party may consider legal challenges to their election. Labor Senator Penny Wong dismissed the claims, asserting that all Labor's candidates were eligible to stand, and that the Liberals had obtained the information from outdated websites. Penelope "Penny" Ying-yen Wong ( Traditional Chinese:黃英賢Hanyu PinyinHuáng Yīngxián born November 5, 1968) Australian Labor Party ^[116]

Election day was Saturday 24 November. Events 380 - Theodosius I makes his adventus, or formal

Crows Nest, New South Wales	Epping, New South Wales	Islington, New South Wales	Newington, New South Wales
Chelsea, Victoria	Fitzroy, Victoria	Melbourne, Victoria	Palmerston, ACT

Television coverage

Election night was covered extensively, mostly commercial-free, by three of the Australian free-to-air networks: ABC Television, the Nine Network and the Seven Network. Crows Nest is a Suburb on the lower North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Epping is a Suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Islington has been described as an affordable alternative to Hamilton Newington is a Suburb in western Sydney, in the state of New South Wales Australia. Chelsea is a Suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is in the Local Government Area of the City of Kingston. Fitzroy (sometimes referred to as South Fitzroy is an Inner city Suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Melbourne ( is the second most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 3 Palmerston is a suburb in the Canberra, Australia district of Gungahlin. ABC Television is a service of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation launched in 1956 The Nine Network, or Channel Nine, is an Australian television network based in Willoughby, a suburb on the North Shore of Sydney The Seven Network is an Australian television network, owned by the Seven Media Group. Network Ten and SBS included brief updates and news bulletins through the night, but not to the other networks' extent. Network Ten, or Channel Ten, is one of Australia 's three major commercial television networks. Sky News offered coverage on Pay TV. Sky News Australia is an Australian 24 hour Cable and Satellite news channel available on Foxtel, Austar, Optus Television ^[117]

• Seven went with a new election coverage team for 2007, led by Sunrise hosts David Koch and Melissa Doyle, who were assisted by Mark Reily and Andrew O'Keefe. Sunrise is an Australian Breakfast television program broadcast on Channel Seven. David James Koch, (pronounced Kosh nicknamed Kochie (pronounced Kosh-ee (born 7 March 1956) is an Australian television personality and Financial Melissa Jane Doyle (born February 10, 1970) is an Australian television personality and co-host of the Seven Network 's Sunrise Andrew Patrick O'Keefe (born 1 October 1971 is a television personality and gameshow host who formerly worked as an intellectual property lawyer Special guests included Liberal politicians Joe Hockey, Jackie Kelly, Andrew Robb and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, Labor politicians Tanya Plibersek, Mark Arbib and former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, and National politician Barnaby Joyce. Joseph Benedict "Joe" Hockey (born 2 August 1965) Australian politician is the former Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Jacqueline Marie (Jackie Kelly (born February 18, 1964) former Australian politician was a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives Andrew John Robb AO (born 20 August 1951 Australian politician was elected to the House of Representatives as member for the Division of Goldstein Jeffrey Gibb Kennett AC (born 2 March 1948 Australian politician was the Premier of Victoria from 1992 to 1999 The Hon Tanya Joan Plibersek MP (Tanja Pliberšek (born 2 December, 1969) Australian politician with the Australian Labor Party, and Federal Mark Victor Arbib (born 9 November 1971) is an Australia politician Peter Douglas Beattie (born 18 November 1952) Australian politician was the 36th Premier of the Australian state of Queensland Barnaby Thomas Gerald Joyce (born 17 April 1967) Australian politician has been a National Party member of the Australian Senate The broadcast was watched by 967,000 viewers, coming second after the ABC. ^[118]

• Nine's coverage was hosted by journalist Ray Martin and political editor Laurie Oakes. Ray Martin (born 20 December 1944, in Richmond, New South Wales) is a well known Australian Television Journalist Laurie Oakes (born August 14, 1943, Newcastle, New South Wales) is an Australian political Journalist and commentator Special guests included Labor politicians Senator Robert Ray and Shadow Treasurer Wayne Swan, Liberals Michael Kroger and Communications Minister Helen Coonan. Robert Francis Ray (born 8 April 1947 Australian politician was an Australian Labor Party member of the Senate from July 1981 to May 2008 representing Wayne Maxwell Swan (born 30 June 1954 is an Australian politician Michael Norman Kroger is a businessman and a powerbroker within the Victorian division of the Liberal Party of Australia. Helen Lloyd Coonan (born 29 October 1947) Australian politician has been a Liberal member of the Australian Senate since July 1996 The broadcast was watched by 763,000 people and came third among the free-to-air networks doing full election count coverage. ^[118]

• The ABC's coverage was hosted by Kerry O'Brien, Tony Jones and Antony Green. The name Kerry O'Brien may refer to Kerry O'Brien (journalist, an Australian journalist Kerry O'Brien (politician, an Australian politician This article is about Tony Jones the Australian news journalist Antony Green is an election commentator for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC Special guests included Senator Nick Minchin (Finance Minister), representing the Coalition, and Julia Gillard (Deputy Labor Leader). Nicholas Hugh Minchin (born 15 April 1953) Australian politician has been a Liberal member of the Australian Senate since July 1993 Julia Eileen Gillard (born 29 September 1961 is the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and deputy leader of the federal Australian Labor Party (ALP The ABC provided live crosses to key electorates around Australia. The broadcast was watched by 1,112,000 viewers and was the most watched election coverage. ^[118]

• Sky News Australia's coverage was hosted by David Speers in Sydney with Helen Dalley at the tally room in Canberra. Sky News Australia is an Australian 24 hour Cable and Satellite news channel available on Foxtel, Austar, Optus Television David Speers is an Australian Journalist and the political editor at Sky News Australia. Helen Dalley (born 1957 is an award winning Australian Journalist, who formerly worked for Kerry Packer 's Publishing and Broadcasting Limited Guests included former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, former Labor Leader Kim Beazley, former Liberal Leader John Hewson, and current members in Parliament, including Brendan Nelson from the Liberal Party, Natasha Stott Despoja from the Democrats, and Stephen Conroy from the Labor Party. Robert James Lee (Bob Hawke, AC (born 9 December 1929 was the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia and longest serving Australian Labor Party Prime Minister For Kim Beazley's father Kim Beazley senior, see Kim Edward Beazley. For the English soldier and regicide see John Hewson (regicide. Brendan John Nelson, MP (born 19 August 1958 is an Australian politician and former Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Australia, as leader Natasha Jessica Stott Despoja (born 9 September 1969) is an Australian former politician and former leader of the Australian Democrats. Stephen Michael Conroy (born 18 January 1963 is an Australian politician and the current Minister for Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy in the Rudd Labor ^[119]

• Ten News covered the results in a special news bulletin airing about 10:30pm. Ten News is the news service of Network Ten in Australia Its one hour flagship local metropolitan bulletin is shown at 5 Anchored by Bill Woods and Paul Bongiorno in Canberra, and featuring Sandra Sully with Kevin Rudd in Brisbane, Deborah Knight with John Howard in Sydney, and Helen Kapalos with Peter Costello in Victoria. William "Bill" Woods (born 1962 in Moruya New South Wales) is an Australian television broadcaster Paul Bongiorno is an Australian Political Journalist, chief political correspondent for Ten News and a member of the Canberra Press Gallery Sandra Sully (born February 1965 in Brisbane) is the senior news anchor with Network Ten, an Australian Television Network Deborah Knight,born Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, is the female nightly TEN-10 television news anchor in Sydney, New South Wales Helen Kapalos (born March 17, 1971) is an Australian television newsreader The network had heavily advertised that they would be airing The Empire Strikes Back as an alternative to the coverage on the other networks. Star Wars Episode V The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 Space opera Film directed by Irvin Kershner.

• SBS aired a results bulletin at 9:30pm anchored by Stan Grant alongside Canberra correspondent Karen Middleton. Stan Grant may refer to Stan Grant (journalist, (born 1963 Australian journalist Stan Grant (Wiradjuri elder, elder of the Wiradjuri Karen Middleton is a political Journalist in the Canberra Press Gallery covering the Parliament of Australia in Canberra, the national capital

Pre-election Issues

A substantial change to Australia's industrial relations system known as WorkChoices, a title created by the government, was enacted by the Howard Liberal government in December 2005, and came in to effect in March 2006. The field of industrial relations (also called labor relations) looks at the relationship between Management and workers particularly groups of workers represented The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most

Electoral advertising shown on Australian free-to-air and pay TV in 2004 by the Liberal Party indicating the commitment of a Howard Liberal government to "keep interest rates at record lows". The Liberal Party of Australia is an Australian political party. Labor has criticised this after six interest rate rises since the October 2004 federal election. Interest is a fee paid on borrowed capital Assets lent include Money, Shares, Consumer goods through Hire purchase, major assets Federal elections were held in Australia on 9 October, 2004. All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 seats in the 76-member In response, Mr Howard stated in August 2007 "[Rudd] can scour every transcript, and I will make them available, of every interview that I gave during that election campaign and he will find no such commitment. "^[120] In October 2007, Mr Howard "admitted breaking a promise to keep interest rates at record lows". ^{[121][122][123]} During the 2004 campaign, Howard was also cited as giving the same promise, personally, on radio. ^[124] November 2007 saw the sixth rate rise since the 2004 election, to a 10-year high of 6. 75 per cent. ^[125]

Roy Morgan polling in June 2007 revealed WorkChoices as the biggest reason behind the Labor vote, with a fear of union dominance and support for coalition economic management policy as the biggest reasons behind the coalition vote. The Workplace Relations Act 1996 as amended by the Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2005, or WorkChoices, which came into effect in March 2006, was the most ^[126] Attempts by the Liberal Party to have business groups fund advertisements to counter anti-WorkChoices advertisements suggested that industrial relations would be a key battleground at the 2007 election. ^[127] The share of voters concerned about industrial relations grew from 31 per cent to 53 per cent in the two years to June 2006, with around three fifths of voters backing Labor's ability to handle the issue over the Liberal Party. ^[128]

A Newspoll released in June 2006 identified health and Medicare as the most important issue for voters, with 83 per cent of respondents rating it "very important". This article describes the Australian universal health scheme Medicare Other key issues included education (79 per cent), the economy (67 per cent), the environment (60 per cent) and national security (60 per cent). Taxation and interest rates, key issues in previous campaigns, were rated very important by 54 per cent and 51 per cent respectively. Immigration, a key issue in 2001, scored 43 per cent. Federal elections were held in Australia on 10 November, 2001. The poll showed that voters considered Labor better-placed to handle health and education, albeit by a small margin, but gave the government strong backing on the economy and national security. ^[128]

Climate change and water management were prominent environmental issues during the campaign. Climate change is any long-term significant change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences Kevin Rudd committed Labor to introducing a greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 60% by 2050, ratifying the Kyoto protocol and introducing a mandatory renewable energy target (MRET) of 20% by 2020. The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the international Framework Convention on Climate Change with the objective of reducing Greenhouse gases in an effort In contrast, the Howard government stuck to their position of not ratifying the Kyoto protocol, setting "voluntary aspirational emission reduction targets" and introducing a carbon emissions trading scheme by 2012. ^[129]

Labor's pledge to spearhead construction of a $4. 7 billion fibre-to-the-node broadband network suggested that infrastructure would also figure prominently on the campaign trail. Fiber to the x ( FTTX) is a generic term for any network architecture that uses Optical fiber to replace all or part of the usual copper Local loop ^[130]

On 7 June in a speech promoting the government's handling of the economy, Treasurer Peter Costello recalled the learner driver slogan of the 2004 election: "This [the economy] is like a highly engineered racing car and I tell you what, I wouldn't be putting an L-plate driver in the cockpit at the moment". Federal elections were held in Australia on 9 October, 2004. All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 seats in the 76-member ^[131] August 2007 saw, for the first time during an election campaign, a 0. 25 per cent interest rate rise to 6. Interest is a fee paid on borrowed capital Assets lent include Money, Shares, Consumer goods through Hire purchase, major assets 5 per cent by the Reserve Bank, the sixth rise since the last election in 2004. The Reserve Bank of Australia came into being on 14 January 1960 to operate as Australia 's Central bank and banknote issuing authority Labor used the news to argue that the Coalition could not be trusted to keep interest rates low, while Costello argued that interest rates would be higher under Labor. ^[132] Inflation figures released on 24 October indicated underlying inflation was higher than expected, which resulted in seven of eight financial companies believing there will be an interest rate rise when the reserve bank met in the middle of November, the first during an election campaign. ^[133]

Rudd advocated four-year fixed terms for federal parliaments if elected. Howard supported four-year terms but opposed fixed election dates. Any change would require approval by referendum. ^[134] Another referendum was suggested by John Howard on the eve of the election campaign, in order to include a statement of reconciliation to be included in the preamble of the constitution. ^[135]

Polling

Two party preferred polling since the previous election by Newspoll 1993-2007 (as published in The Australian newspaper), ACNielsen 1996-2007 (as published in Fairfax newspapers), Roy Morgan 1996-2007 and Galaxy 2004-2007. The Mackerras Pendulum was devised by the Australian psephologist Malcolm Mackerras as a way of predicting the outcome of an election contested between Federal elections were held in Australia on 9 October, 2004. All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 seats in the 76-member Newspoll Market Research is an Australian company providing opinion polling and other market research services The Australian, also referred to as The Oz, is a Broadsheet Newspaper published in Australia Monday through Saturday each ACNielsen is a global Marketing research firm with worldwide headquarters in New York City. Fairfax Media Limited, is one of Australia's largest diversified media companies Roy Morgan Research is an Australian Market research company headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria; it was founded in 1941 by Roy Morgan its Executive Galaxy Research is an Australian market researching company which has recently expanded into providing opinion polling for State and Federal politics

Preferred Prime Minister polling since the previous election by Newspoll 1987-2007 (as published in The Australian newspaper) and ACNielsen 1996-2007 (as published in Fairfax newspapers). Federal elections were held in Australia on 9 October, 2004. All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 seats in the 76-member Newspoll Market Research is an Australian company providing opinion polling and other market research services The Australian, also referred to as The Oz, is a Broadsheet Newspaper published in Australia Monday through Saturday each ACNielsen is a global Marketing research firm with worldwide headquarters in New York City. Fairfax Media Limited, is one of Australia's largest diversified media companies

Roy Morgan, Newspoll, ACNeilsen and Galaxy timegraph polling showed Labor leading the coalition in overall opinion polling from mid-2006 onward. Labor also led on several key questions. Labor consolidated its lead after Rudd assumed the Labor leadership from Kim Beazley, at which point Rudd also assumed the lead on the question of preferred Prime Minister--an unusual feat for an Opposition leader. For Kim Beazley's father Kim Beazley senior, see Kim Edward Beazley. Even with Labor ahead in opinion polling, Howard led Beazley on this question by a wide margin.

According to Australian political analyst Adam Carr, the public turned against Howard largely because of WorkChoices. The new industrial relations program, Carr said, angered the "Howard battlers"--the traditional Labor voters who had supported Howard for most of the last 11 years--because they saw it as a direct attack on their livelihood. The field of industrial relations (also called labor relations) looks at the relationship between Management and workers particularly groups of workers represented ^[136]

ACNielsen polling in March 2007 had Rudd's personal approval rating at 67 per cent, which made him the most popular opposition leader in the poll's 35-year history,^[137] with Newspoll (News Limited) 2PP polling the highest in its history. ACNielsen is a global Marketing research firm with worldwide headquarters in New York City. Newspoll Market Research is an Australian company providing opinion polling and other market research services News Limited was the principal holding for the business interests of Rupert Murdoch until the formation of News Corporation in 1979 The largest 2PP election result for the ALP in its history was at the 1943 election on an estimate of 58. 2 per cent.

A weighted collaboration of all polling since Rudd assumed the ALP leadership shows an average Labor 2PP figure of 57 per cent compared with the coalition's 43 per cent,^[138] and Rudd's consistent outpolling of Howard as preferred Prime Minister, something not achieved under previous leaders Mark Latham, Kim Beazley or Simon Crean. Mark William Latham (born 28 February 1961) a former Australian politician was leader of the Federal Parliamentary Australian Labor Party For Kim Beazley's father Kim Beazley senior, see Kim Edward Beazley. Simon Findlay Crean (born 26 February 1949) is an Australian Politician, and current Minister for Trade in the Australian Federal Government

By the time the writs were issued, the Coalition was well behind Labor in opinion polling, which showed Labor winning government "in a canter," as Antony Green put it. According to Green, this was a nearly exact reversal of the run-up to the 1996 election. The Coalition was running ahead of Labor in two-party opinion polling for much of 1995 and 1996, with the mantle of preferred Prime Minister regularly switching between Howard and Paul Keating. Paul John Keating (born 18 January 1944 was the 24th Prime Minister of Australia, from 1991 to 1996 ^[139][140]

Possums Pollytics, an anonymous weblog, stated that due to the uneven nature of the swings, where safe Liberal seats were swinging up to 14. 6 per cent with safe Labor seats swinging around only 4. 1 per cent, the Labor party stood to potentially end up with a maximum of 106 of the 150 lower house seats. ^[141]

Polling consistently showed that the economy and national security are the Coalition's strong areas. In August 2007 an Ipsos poll showed 39 per cent of voters thought Labor was a better economic manager, compared to 36 per cent for the coalition, with 25 per cent undecided. ^[142]

The morning of the election announcement, a special Sun-Herald Taverner survey of 979 people across New South Wales and Victoria had been released, indicating a Labor 2PP of 59 per cent, with the 18-29 year old category voting at 72 per cent. ^[143] The fortnightly Newspoll was released the day after the election was called, showing the 2PP remaining steady at Labor 56-44 Liberal. Howard increased his Preferred PM rating up one per cent to 39 per cent, while Rudd increased his rating up one per cent to 48 per cent. On the day after the election was called, Centrebet had odds of 1. Centrebet is an Australian Bookmaker licensed in the Northern Territory. 47 on Labor, with 2. 70 on the coalition. ^[144] Half way through the campaign, with no overall change in the polls, saw Centrebet odds for Labor shorten to 1. 29, with the Liberals on 3. 60. ^[145] Centrebet odds two days out from the election were at 1. 22 for Labor, with 4. 35 for the coalition.

Newspoll a week out from the election of 3,600 voters in 18 of the coalition's most marginal seats revealed an ALP 54-46 coalition 2PP, a swing to Labor of 6-9 per cent. A uniform swing would see 18-25 seats fall to Labor, The Australian said. ^[146]

Former Labor number-cruncher Graham Richardson, who news. Graham Frederick Richardson ( 27 September 1949) is a former Australian politician for the Australian Labor Party. com. au (News Limited) claims to have correctly picked the winner of every election for the past three decades, tipped Kevin Rudd and Labor to win with a 6-7 per cent two party preferred, 20 seat swing. News Limited was the principal holding for the business interests of Rupert Murdoch until the formation of News Corporation in 1979 The Mackerras Pendulum was devised by the Australian psephologist Malcolm Mackerras as a way of predicting the outcome of an election contested between ^[147]

Peter Day, a journalist (ex-The Australian), stated two days before the election that, if the coalition were re-elected, it would be "the biggest polling embarrassment in any developed country since Truman beat Dewey in 1948". The Australian, also referred to as The Oz, is a Broadsheet Newspaper published in Australia Monday through Saturday each Dewey Defeats Truman was a famously incorrect banner headline on the front page of the first edition of the Chicago Tribune on November 3, 1948 ^[148]

The election-eve Newspoll and Galaxy poll reported the ALP on a 2PP of 52 per cent, Roy Morgan on 54. 5, with ACNielsen on 57 per cent. Seven News reported that TAB had updated their odds for the election, with Labor having safe odds of $1. Totalizator Agency Board in Australia and New Zealand universally shortened to TAB, is the name given to monopoly Totalisator organisations 20 and the Coalition an outside chance on $4. 60.

Sky News-Channel 7-Auspoll exit polls on election day of 2,787 voters in the 31 most marginal seats suggested a 53 per cent two-party preferred figure to Labor, 53 per cent to Labor in Bennelong, and 58 per cent to Labor in Eden-Monaro. Sky News Australia is an Australian 24 hour Cable and Satellite news channel available on Foxtel, Austar, Optus Television The Seven Network is an Australian television network, owned by the Seven Media Group. An exit poll is a poll of voters taken immediately after they have exited the polling stations The Division of Eden-Monaro is an Australian Electoral Division in New South Wales. ^[149] Key issue questions swung Labor's way. ^[150]

Candidates and Seats

See Australian federal election, 2007/Candidates and Seats

See also

• Members of the Australian House of Representatives, 2007-2010
• Members of the Australian Senate, 2008-2011
• First Rudd Ministry
• Candidates of the Australian general election, 2007
• Mackerras federal election pendulum, 2006
• Australian electoral system
• List of political parties in Australia
• List of Australian federal electorates

References

External links

Official

• Parliament of Australia - Election Timetable
• Australian Electoral Commission
• Australian Senate 2007 ballot papers and preference flows

Media

• ABC Online: 2007 Federal Election
• The Crikey Guide to the 2007 Election

Unofficial Sites

• AustralianPolitics.com: 2007 Federal Election
• The Poll Bludger - Federal Election 2007
• OzPolitics - Australian Federal Election 2007
• Adam Carr's Guide to the 2007 Federal Election
• Possums Pollytics
• Simon Jackman's 2007 Election Analysis
• Australia Votes 2007
• TrendLines Research's International Seat Projection Charts
• Slow TV, (Part 2)