This is possibly the first time I’ve seen an attractive neologism – “greenslide”. Okay it is only talking about the Australian Capital Territory, which is practically a local council, even if it governs the national capital, but it still reflects the broader strength of the Greens across Australia.
And nationally in Australia, it would seem the Greens are getting decent mileage out of their balance of power in the Senate (where they now have five seats, and consequently “party” status – with the resources that goes with it).
And as this piece suggestions, the political ground is moving quickly:
Definitions of radicalism can change quickly, of course. As Brown’s office reminded journalists last week, it was only five years ago that George Bush, triumphant after the invasion of Iraq, addressed a joint sitting of Parliament. The Speaker tried to eject Brown after he said: “Mr Bush, this is Australia. Respect our nation. Return our Australians from Guantanamo Bay. Respect the laws of the world and the world will respect you.”
Close to blasphemous then but who would reasonably disagree with such sentiment today?
Across the Tasman, reports from New Zealand are suggesting that the strength of the Greens might keep Labour’s Helen Clark in power (and she’s generally of the “old Labour” school, so not at all a bad thing.)
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