The Greens have formalised their deal with Labor in an attempt to form government.
In a move which was widely predicted – as well as heavily touted by Melbourne Greens MP Adam Bandt – the Greens have announced they will ensure supply and 'oppose any motion of no confidence in the Government from the other parties or MPs.'
The Greens have secured the scrapping of Julia Gillard's widely criticized 'Citizens Assembly' on climate change, as well as a debate on Australian participation in the war in Afghanistan, should the left-leaning coalition form a government.
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There was, however, no mention of same sex marriage, or the processing of asylum seekers.
The Greens also now have the balance of power in the Senate – and thus a crucial say on any legislation the future government sends to it.
Although Labor has said there would be no ministry for its junior partner, the Greens outlined some of the concessions from Labor as a reward for supporting it.
Concessions
- The creation of a climate change committee
- A 'full' parliamentary debate on the war in Afghanistan to take place
- Work with Greens on dental health care
- The high speed rail study would be complete by 2011
- Referenda on constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians
Political Reform
There was also a move to reform of the political system from the Greens.
- A move to full three year terms
- A leader's debate commission
- Legislation aimed at 'truth' in political advertising
- Restrictions on political donations
- The establishment of a parliamentary budget office
- Commitment to reform above the line voting in the Senate
- 'Better' processes for the release of documents in the public interest in both Houses of Parliament
-Access to relevant departments, including Treasury and Finance & Deregulation for Greens election policies
Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown said there's 'always reticence' when stepping into such 'icy waters.'
In the lower house, this leaves Labor and Bandt on 73 seats, tied with the Coalition.
Both groups likely need to rely on the support of three of the four the independent MPs in the house if they are to reach the majority-clinching figure of 76.
Coalition Leader Tony Abbott said there would surely be a mining tax under such a government, and that there will 'never be' offshore processing of asylum seekers. He said it's 'plain' there was a deal already in place between the parties.
'The quest for power is now the only principle that the Labor party holds dear', he said.
