2016 Australian federal election

Electoral system and reform

The election was notable for changes to the Senate voting system that took effect for the first time in 2016. The previous group voting ticket system, which allowed parties to dictate full preference flows on behalf of voters, was replaced by an optional preferential model that gives electors more direct control over their preferences. Above-the-line voting became optional-preferential, and below-the-line voting was simplified to encourage voters to express their own order of choices. These reforms reduced the influence of backroom preference deals and produced a larger and more diverse Senate crossbench.

Campaign and context

Campaign themes echoed familiar national concerns: the economy, jobs, health and budgetary policy, as well as immigration and national security. The election was triggered after legislative deadlocks between the two houses made certain government priorities difficult to advance, prompting the double dissolution mechanism. Major party leaders, policy platforms and televised debates framed much of the media coverage. For background on the Parliament and its composition see Parliament information.

Results and immediate consequences

The House of Representatives outcome was close. The incumbent Coalition retained enough seats to form government, while the Senate returned a crossbench strengthened by minor parties and independents. The new Senate configuration meant that the government had to negotiate with a broader range of senators to pass legislation. For summary coverage of the voting changes see Senate voting reform. For information about the party leadership at the time see Malcolm Turnbull.

Significance and notable facts

• The 2016 contest was the first federal election conducted under the revised Senate voting rules; its effects influenced how minor parties campaigned and how preference flows were organized.
• Australia’s compulsory voting and preferential systems continue to shape outcomes differently from plurality systems used elsewhere.
• Because the Senate elected all seats simultaneously, the composition of the upper house was reset, giving voters the chance to alter balance-of-power dynamics more abruptly than in ordinary half-Senate elections.

Overall, the 2016 election is remembered both for its electoral law changes and for returning a government in a closely fought contest that required ongoing negotiation across a more fragmented Senate.