Labor clings to power
Updated 26 minutes ago
Independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor have declared their support for a minority Labor Government. (AAP: Alan Porritt)
Independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott have broken Australia's political deadlock by agreeing to back Julia Gillard in a Labor minority government.
After more than a fortnight of suspense, Mr Oakeshott and Mr Windsor today revealed their intention to give Labor their crucial votes, meaning it has secured the 76 seats needed to rule.
Their decision came hot on the heels of Bob Katter, who earlier confirmed he would back the Coalition, putting it on 74 seats.
Ms Gillard is due to speak at 4:15pm (AEST) about the deal she clinched with Mr Windsor and Mr Oakeshott which will see her continue on as prime minister.
Fronting the media this afternoon both men explained their reasoning for backing Labor.
Mr Windsor said Labor's National Broadband Network and position on climate change were major factors in his decision, as well as a feeling that if he supported the Coalition it would rush to the polls.
He also made a plea to his conservative constituents not to turn away from a Labor government.
"This is about using the political system to advantage the people we represent," he said.
Mr Oakeshott said he considered who could form a more stable government, who had a better deal for the bush and who could work best with a Greens-dominated Senate when coming to his final position.
And he revealed that an offer of a ministry position had been made, but he would not confirm by which side and whether he would take up any offer.
Labor has promised a regional package as part of the deal, but the two men did not outline specific details, instead leaving that to Ms Gillard. ...<cont>
Well that's sorted then, and this thread can remain alive!
Both these guys should be OAMs for the honesty with which they took this responsibility.
I fear for Oakeshott though. He seems so sincere in wishing to be liked.
Watch the forces of conservatism rise up in indignation.
I am on a "virtual" flight home. Perhaps I'll be back sometime next year, though.
Thanks to all of you for letting me watch.
)You know, I actually feel more comfortable about Julia & the Labor government relying on the support of Wilkie, Oakeshott, Windsor & the Greens, as opposed to being a puppet of the ALP Right warlords. I think that's a much more positive position for this Labor government (as difficult as it will be).
The U.S. elections may be next up. But I could end up in Italy first as yet another government may fall there.
, but I don't necessarily think it has to be this way. But I think it's what the conservatives dearly HOPE will happen! And will do their level best (with a little help from Rupert's Oz media outlets) to try to ensure that it does! 
)...In the space of 17 days, Windsor and Oakeshott have delivered more for regional Australia - in health, education and infrastructure - than some National Party MPs contributed in the entire life of the Howard government. That must rankle.
A recipe for gridlock
Paul Kelly, Editor-at-large
From: The Australian
September 08, 2010 12:00AM
Prime Minister Julia Gillard with Governor-General Quentin Bryce at Government House in Canberra. Picture: Foote David Source: The Australian
SUBLIME chaos after a 17-day delay has seen two rural independents save Julia Gillard's prime ministership and rescue Labor's political neck.
The price will be weak and uncertain government under a strange political beast: a Labor-Green-independent rainbow alliance.
Gillard will have a minority in both the House and Senate. The 2-1 split yesterday among the rural independents has given Gillard the tightest possible 76-74 floor majority. This may keep Labor in power for a full term but legislative gridlock and timid policy are looming.
Despite the talk of sunshine, the legacy is more likely to be bad political blood, a war between the pro-Labor rural independents and the Nationals, and a guaranteed Tony Abbott-led Coalition campaign that the Gillard government is without legitimacy.
Despite the margin, Gillard is elected Prime Minister in her own right and will emerge with enhanced standing and authority.
Abbott could not have come closer to power.
In the end the Liberal leader fell short of a miracle victory and is likely to become a formidable opposition leader.
The two pro-Labor independents, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, performed a dual feat.
The NSW regional MPs delivered Labor office and their purpose was to deny the Australian people a second election.
The shadow overhanging the Gillard-Green-independent agreement is the guarantee of a full three-year parliament.
This is inconsistent with the Australian constitution and potentially contrary to the national interest in a parliament that may become ineffective.
The reluctance to recognise the right of the people to decide this issue during the next three years is politically and ethically dubious.
Senator Arbib told confidants yesterday he planned to make the transition out of his role as national convener for the Right.
Sources close to Senator Arbib, the Minister for Employment Participation, stressed it was his own decision and not the result of criticism directed at the leadership of the Right
The Australian has been completely partisan in this election. An absolute disgrace. I expect it will do more to undermine the new parliament than the LNP.
Basic tenet of wisdom: You don't change anyone's mind by yelling at them.
Of course I'm still trying to get over Tony's line of this being 'the worst government ever' how is that justifiable/provable?
