So is the rise of the Greens a passing fad, or is it part of a more fundamental realignment of progressive politics in Australia?

BBC: Greens enjoy taste of power in Australia's parliament

While South Australia theoretically opened up politics to women in 1865, some 60 years were to pass before Nancy Buttfield became the first woman from the state to be elected to the federal Parliament.

ECONOMIST: Roma Mitchell

At 65, and after 30 years in politics, eight of them as prime minister, he is Australia's sharpest politician.

ECONOMIST: Iraq, the economy and honesty will dominate the campaign