uninspiring leaders, stressed voters and the shadow of Trump make for an uncertain contest
- Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
The usual story for a first-term government is a loss of seats, as voters send it a message, but ultimate survival.
It can be a close call. John Howard risked all in 1998 with his GST, and almost lost office, despite having a big majority.
But you have to go back to 1931 to find a first-term government thrown out.
So, going into this campaign,...
