"This may support Rudd or it may support the minor parties; the latter may translate into increased support for Rudd."

To explain that - we have a compulsory vote - fined if you don't. Also a preferential House of Reps voting system - whereby the first guy to get the least primary votes (if there is not a clear majority), has his 2nd preferential (by the voter) votes distributed etc until there is a clear majority.

The Senate, now that's more complex - but basically, it's still a preferential vote with optional preferences (You can just vote 1 at the top) all the parties are grouped, and each member of a party gets a 'quota', the extra votes pass on to the next lower ranked party member. the 'just vote 1' votes, have their preferences allocated as per the way the party wants.


I'll stop now...