Federal Government Finally Formed

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has managed to form a minority federal government following the 21 August 2010 election in which both major parties, the Australian Labor Party, and the Coalition, were unable to obtain the required 76 seats in the House of Representatives to form a government.

Independent Members of Parliament, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, decided to support the Labor government following lengthy negotiations with both major parties and Labor’s pledge to spend $10 million on regional projects. Elected Greens MP, Adam Brandt, determined to support a Labor government soon after the elections.

It is thought that the independent MPs will hold a significant amount of power given that they may hold the balance of power in deciding controversial legislative or policy changes. In regards to immigration, it is believed that the independent MPs may push for higher levels of immigration to regional areas to increase regional populations and fill skills shortages in regional areas.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

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