It appears that the balance of power in the new Senate will be held by the Greens, Family First, and Nick Xenophon.
Where a new Labor government is opposed in the Senate, it will need to convince not only the Greens, but also Family First and Xenophon. This leaves us particularly vulnerable to extremist hold-outs.
I supported the Australian Democrats in this election. I'm happy that Howard and the Coalition have been emphatically removed, but I'm disappointed and apprehensive about the loss of reasoned voices in the Senate.
I want to thank the Democrats, and particularly want to thank Andrew Bartlett for his tireless efforts over the last ten years.