For more than three decades, he has been the reassuring, ever-calm presence guiding Australians through the drama of election night.
His face, voice, and—let’s be honest—his uncanny ability to make sense of the most tangled voting swings have become as much a part of our democracy as the sausage sizzle at your local polling booth.
But now, after 36 years and 90 elections, the man who made ‘swing’ a household word has called his last election for the ABC.
Antony Green has concluded his final election for the ABC, marking the end of an outstanding 36-year career as Australia’s trusted chief election analyst.
Green’s journey began in 1989, when the ABC hired him on a six-month contract as an election researcher. Back then, election coverage was a far cry from the slick, data-driven broadcasts we know today.
Green quickly became indispensable with his rare combination of computer skills and political nous. He helped design a computer system that allowed the ABC to call results faster and more accurately than ever before—sometimes even ahead of the official count.
It was the 1993 federal election that truly cemented his reputation. While most pundits predicted a John Hewson victory, Green was the first to spot the strength of Paul Keating’s campaign and the likelihood of a Labor win.
Despite his fame, Green has always been a reluctant celebrity. As ABC host Annabel Crabb put it, ‘The only thing you hate more, apart from when the bloody computer goes wrong, is being the centre of attention.’
Green admitted to being ‘a bit overwhelmed’ by the fuss, especially when presented with a massive bouquet on his final night.
‘That’s the biggest bunch of flowers I’ve ever had in my life. I don’t own a vase,’ he quipped.
Green’s humility and dry wit have endeared him to millions. But it’s his dedication—working what he calls ‘stupid hours’—and his passion for educating Australians about our democracy that have made him a national treasure.
In 2017, he was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to ‘interpreting Australian Democracy’—a fitting tribute to a man who’s made the complex comprehensible for generations of voters.
So, why is Antony Green stepping down now? In his own words: ‘By the time of the next election, I’ll be 68 and I know I’m not as sharp and quick as I was five years ago.’
‘It gets harder and harder. It’s like a footballer, sometimes they play on a season too long, and I’m making sure I don’t do that.’
‘If I’m going out in an election, this is an extraordinary one to go it on,’ he said.
It’s a typically honest and self-aware decision. Green has always prided himself on accuracy and speed—essential qualities on election night, when the nation is hanging on your every word.
But don’t worry—he’s not disappearing entirely. Green has said he’ll continue to work behind the scenes, developing websites and helping to educate Australians about our electoral system.
‘It’s been fabulous fun,’ he said of his TV career. ‘We’ll see how we go from here.’
Green’s retirement marks the end of an era, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter for the ABC. Casey Briggs, who has worked alongside Green as a data analyst, will step into the role of chief election analyst.
‘For more than three decades, Antony Green has set the bar for election analysis. He is sharp, fast and, even under the immense pressure of the night, manages to keep his sense of humour,’ Briggs said.
‘For me, it has been such a privilege to have had a front-row seat to watch and learn from the master at work.’
As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a tribute, ‘People listen to Antony, and they wait for him on election night to declare the winner.’
What are your favourite memories of Antony Green on election night? Will you miss his expert analysis? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below!
Also read: A late start, then a big boom: why it took until 1975 for Australians to finally watch TV in colour
Yes I will miss him a lot. Such a good presenter and his knowledge of politics is fantastic.
I will miss him on election night.