Dear friends,
Hi there – I’m Ebony, the national campaign coordinator for the Australian Greens. With just 33 days until Election Day on 21 August I wanted to write and introduce myself, and give you a frank assessment of where we’re headed.
The Greens are in a stronger position than we’ve ever been before: today’s Newspoll puts the Greens primary vote at 12% nationally. This year, we have an unprecedented opportunity to attain the balance of power in the Senate.
The Australian Greens aren’t here to just keep the bastards honest – we’re here to change the dynamic of politics and deliver the best possible outcomes for our country on climate change, education, health, water, public transport, and the other issues that matter to you.
Unlike the old parties, our strength comes from the grassroots, from people like you. Whether you are a lifelong Greens supporter, or voting Greens for the first time, this election I’ll be relying heavily on you. We’ll be asking you to come to events, to volunteer your time, and to be our eyes and ears on the streets when the inevitable smears and attacks do come. You’ll also get the first look at our latest ads, election announcements, strategies and decisions as we give you, the people behind this movement, the inside scoop on our campaign.
Today, I want to share the very latest on preferences. There will be a lot of media attention on preference arrangements, but here’s what they won’t tell you: you and every other voter in Australia have the power to choose where your preferences are directed. The Greens will hand out how-to-vote cards on Election Day as a guide for voters who choose to use them, but that’s all they are: a guide.
In the Greens, our local branches make preference decisions. At this election, some Greens local branches have chosen to preference Labor ahead of the Coalition in a number of lower house seats, including some but not all marginal seats. Some local branches of the Greens have chosen not to direct preferences to either party.
I can also tell you that the Labor Party will be directing its Senate preferences to the Greens ahead of all political parties in all States and Territories.
But at the end of the day, you decide where your preferences will go.
You can find out more at our website.
Here’s to the next 33 days,
Ebony Bennett
National Campaign Coordinator
PS Your address details on the electoral roll can be updated until 8pm Thursday only. Visit the AEC online to make sure you’re details are accurate.