SYDNEY — Two untested political leaders with no new policies to offer but with lots of vocal thunder — that's how Australians view the current battle for Canberra. By election day Aug. 21, when every eligible Australian adult is required by law to vote, the thunder will be sounding mighty hollow.
Already voter opinion polls show distrust of both the ruling Labor Party and the opposing coalition of Liberal and National parties; hence, both sides have rushed into publicity scare tactics.
Enter the small-minority Green Party with a deal to exploit the uncertainty. Veteran Greens leader Sen. Bob Brown has stitched up a deal with Labor that could give him the balance of power in the Senate and likely ensure that Labor continues to hold the House of Representatives.