There are two major parties in Australia, the Labor party and a coalition between the Liberal Party and the National Party.
Both are pretty much the same, Labor is perhaps centre left, and the other two are Centre Right. Though in American terms they would all probably be classed as far left.
The balance of power at the moment is pretty much 45% Labor, 45% Coalition, 10% smaller parties.
The smaller parties are Independants (Generally Centre Right), Greens (Left wing), and the Family First party (Ultra right wing).
Essentially for any government to get anything done they need to get the Family First party onboard, and in general, Christian votes. The Family First party is pretty much a church group, all their candidates are former Pastors etc.
So basically:
- Christians (in South Australia) hold the swing vote.
- Most Australians think this shit is bullshit.
- Our opinion doesn't count.