Antony Green Signs Off After 36 Years as ABC's Chief Elections Analyst

In a poignant farewell, Antony Green, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) chief elections analyst, completed his final on-air appearance after an impressive 36-year career. Green, who first began his journey with the ABC in 1990 as an election researcher, quickly became a household name in Australia for his insightful analysis of elections and his pioneering role in utilizing technology for electoral forecasting. On the eve of the federal election, Green, now 65, expressed his desire to step back from the pressures of live broadcasting, a decision emphasized by a heartfelt send-off from colleagues and political leaders alike. Greener pastures await him—or, as he stated, he will continue contributing behind the scenes in statistical modeling for a few more years, marking the end of an era for political coverage in Australia. Green's journey has been filled with memorable moments, notably the 1993 federal election where he famously called the election results less than three hours after polls closed, a move that made him a legend in electoral commentary. His contributions to the evolution of election broadcasting in Australia have been immense; he was instrumental in designing the ABC's election computer system, a tool that fundamentally changed how election nights are reported. The depth of his work earned him the Order of Australia award in 2017, recognizing his pivotal role as an interpreter of democratic processes in Australia. ABC's director of news, Justin Stevens, lauded Green as a beloved figure who stood as an 'Australian institution' amid outpouring gratitude from viewers and political figures, calling him the 'GOAT' of election analysis. As Green steps away from the screen, his impact on public understanding of the political landscape will undoubtedly resonate in the years to come, as his archive will be preserved at the Australian National Library, cementing his legacy. In commentary, Green's departure marks a significant shift in Australian electoral analysis. His unique ability to simplify complex election data for the average viewer has set a standard that new analysts will aspire to meet. His lighthearted take on the merchandise adorned with his likeness illustrates the personal connection he established with the Australian public. As he transitions to behind-the-scenes contributions, it is vital that the ABC and other media entities continue to uphold the high standard he established in making election results accessible and engaging to all Australians. With the rise of digital platforms and social media, the landscape of political reporting is shifting—new analysts will have to adapt to ensure the public remains informed amidst rapidly changing communication methods.