Sex Party and other minor players spicing up the Australian election could sway the balance of power
Labour and the Liberals may need the support of the smaller outfits to swing the Senate in their favour
Voters sick of the Liberal-Labour duopoly in Australian politics have plenty of choice at polls on Saturday with more than 50 minor players on the ballot, including a sex party, one for car enthusiasts and another with no policies.
While Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberals or the Labour party led by Bill Shorten will be elected to high office, minor party alliances can hold the balance of power in the upper house Senate.
This means their vote could decide the outcome of an issue if the government and opposition disagree, something that has frustrated the current Liberal government.
It prompted Turnbull to call an early poll because cross-benchers – politicians who are independent or from minor parties – have failed to pass legislation relating to the creation of a construction industry watchdog.
But minor players remain undeterred, promising a range of alternatives to the mainstream despite operating on a shoestring.