Leadership
Minority government
07 September 2010
With the support of minor party and independent members, the Australian Labor Party forms government.
The federal election on 21 August 2010 resulted in a hung parliament – no party or coalition of parties had more than half of the members in the House of Representatives. To form government a party or coalition of parties needed 76 seats or more:
- The Australian Labor Party won 72 seats.
- The Liberal Party/National Party coalition won 73 seats.
- 5 seats were won by minor parties or independents.
For 17 days both major parties attempted to gain the support of the 5 minor party and independent members. After securing the support of 4 of these members, a Labor government was formed on 7 September 2010 led by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Australia had its first minority government since 1940–41.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard signs an agreement with the Australian Greens, 1 September 2010
DPS AUSPIC/ Michael Jones
Prime Minister Julia Gillard signs an agreement with the Australian Greens, 1 September 2010
DPS AUSPIC/ Michael Jones
Description
After the election on 21 August 2010 resulted in a hung parliament, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and leader of the Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown sign an agreement to work together. The Australian Labor Party was able to form minority government after gaining the support of minor party and independent members.
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