Minority government

07 September 2010

The federal election on 21 August 2010 resulted in a hung parliament – no party or coalition of parties had more than half of the members in the House of Representatives. To form government a party or coalition of parties needed 76 seats or more:

• The Australian Labor Party won 72 seats. 
• The Liberal Party/National Party coalition won 73 seats.
• 5 seats were won by minor parties or independents.

For 17 days both major parties attempted to gain the support of the 5 minor party and independent members. After securing the support of 4 of these members, a Labor government was formed on 7 September 2010 led by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Australia had its first minority government since 1940–41.