not true, representatives still have a vote on the floor of HoR or the senate. whether that vote makes a difference is another story. disagree again. since 2k7 we've had arguably many good reforms, tax reforms, ndis, higher pensions, dental health scheme, carbon pricing (despite your political views it does as advertised). i'm fairly certain we'd have none of those things if the country stayed with howard and the lnp. what is really going on? agree the personality contest of pm is a furphy, perpetuated by the media to distract from more in depth discussion. 2pp is a bit shit. but it only comes into play if you vote 1 above the line in the senate, which most australians don't. but still, you have the ability to avoid it yourself if you do so choose (House of reps ballot is different). there were lots of greens senator elected in 2k10, enough to give them the balance of power in the senate. however people have let themselves be dictated to my msm that the greens are "extreme" and "dangerous" or whatever, and as such their result will go backward this year. however the greens were instrumental in bringing in some of the reforms we've had this electoral cycle, reforms which the electorate has shown to appreciate. lol. all 100% true. anyway the point is the system is not necessarily rigid, it's just intellectual laziness on the part of the australian electorate which lends itself to the current situation we have.