The Australian Labor Party is now in as dominant a position in Australian federal politics as they have been for a long time, having won a second term in a landslide. Yet the party’s strength is built on an uncertain base, with a primary vote of less than 35%.

While the party will be defending newly-gained seats from the Coalition, they are also in close contests againstGreens and independent candidates in numerous seats that were once safe for the ALP.

This brief explores Labor’s position in federal and state politics, how their low primary vote effects their position, prospects for the next federal Labor leader and the position of the Labor factions.