In a remarkable set back for the Liberals, the Greens have pushed the party to their lowest ever vote in Higgins and Bradfield despite Labor not standing, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
Results
Greens: Higgins 34.96% (+24.21 swing), Bradfield 26.18% (+ 14.72)
Liberals: Higgins 51.74% (-1.87), Bradfield 55.38% (-4.74).
Average swing to the Greens +19.5%.
Average swing away from Libs -3.3%
"The results in Higgins and Bradfield are a major step up for the Greens on our road to the House of Representatives. In far Greener seats we will be edging far closer to victory at the 2010 poll," Senator Brown said.
Senator Brown praised Susie Gemmell in Bradfield and Clive Hamilton in Higgins for the exceptional swing to the Greens against the Liberals.
Senator Brown also challenged Tony Abbott to include the Greens in any debate with Kevin Rudd on climate change.
"We are the globally attuned experts in both the science of climate change and the best economic path ahead."
"Either Senator Christine Milne or I will meet Tony Abbott in any town hall or media debate anywhere anytime but I predict he doesn't have the gumption to take us on," Senator Brown said.
Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727
See Also - Susie Gemmell's thankyou