The election is a fight of who is disliked the least – there is a clear and growing destabilisation in our politics

‘Australians are increasingly turning off mainstream politics,’ say Simon Copland and Elizabeth Humphrys, citing voting patterns, informal voting and declines in major party memberships. Photograph: Darren Pateman/AAP

At the upcoming federal election, the two major parties look to deliver their lowest ever combined primary vote. Polls are indicating the ALP and Coalition will bring in less than 40% of the vote each.

While there might be a small increase on Labor’s 2019 tally of 33.3%, the Coalition looks set for its lowest primary vote in history. There is also a good chance of a record number of independents and minor party candidates being elected.