Independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott have thrown their support behind Labor, allowing Julia Gillard to form a minority government.
Windsor sighted broadband, and particularly Labor’s plan to build the National Broadband Network, as the key issue that swayed his vote.
“The National Broadband Network is the major infrastructure project of this century. I think it is too good an opportunity to miss. My advisors have suggested to me that with regards to broadband, you do it once, you do it right and you do it with fibre.”
Other issues that convinced Windsor to side the Labor included the party’s commitment to climate change reform, with a particular focus on renewable energy.
“I see enormous opportunities where others fear the climate change debate.”
Windsor launched a pre-emptive strike against criticism that he should have sided with the Coalition, saying the political climate provided a rare opportunity for country independents to deal with both sides of politics to get results for country people.
“We are sending a signal to country people that if you want to be taken for granted in the future, go back to the old party system.”
But while Windsor will back Labor on supply and will vote against no confidence motions, he has reserved his right to vote differently on issues as they arise.
“I will reserve the vote to represent my constituents in any way I see fit. I also reserve the right to move a no confidence motion in the government.”
Oakeshott and Windsor have driven a hard deal for the support.
Top of their list is a package of measures for regional Australia that Oakeshott says will “turbo-charge” regional and rural Australia. Details are yet to be released.
“We’re not asking for over and above, we are asking for equity. Equity has not been delivered to regional Australia for too long and that is about to change,” he says.
Another big win is a commitment to release the full assumptions and workings of behind the Henry tax review by June 2011.
“By June 2011 we have a commitment to have the Henry Tax review in the public domain, with a fair dinkum open debate about tax in this country. This will be a strong Parliament.”
Oakeshott says one of the key reasons for his decision was to drive reform of the two-party system, saying many Australians were sick of the way politics was run.
“This parliament is going to be different. That is a reality of the way we are going to do business for the next three years.”
“We are going to see absolutely everything on anything come before the parliament in the next three years.”
Both Oakeshott and Windsor say a key consideration in their decision-making process was forming a stable government that could last for a full three-year term.
“Which of the parties will try and keep this parliament running for as long as possible? That has been a key consideration,” Oakeshott says.
Oakeshot says Gillard’s first job is to “bring Australia together” after a divisive and draining hung parliament process.
“If we can have a country is that is much as possible unified on the back of this decision that is a first job well done.”
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
