One of the most interesting features of the period 2007-08 for historians was the way in which three of the main architects of the illegal Iraq war were removed from office. Blair in the UK, facing increasing disapproval ratings in polls decided to hand over parliamentary leadership. Howard in Australia, despite running an economy with low inflation and low unemployment lost power in general elections both for his party and individually. In 2008 George W. Bush ended his agonisingly long term as his party was resoundingly defeated by the Democrats.
Although elections in Australia at this time were accounted little international significance, that which took place on 24 November 2007 in retrospect can be seen to have involved many elements that will become significant in the post market state era.
First, the vote for the Greens Party (focused on issues such as renewable energy, environmental protection, sustainable development and fair trade) was higher than ever before, reaching 22% of electors in the national capital (Canberra).
Second, the voters swung behind a party advocating that it would NOT build nuclear reactors in Australia, despite a prolonged fear campaign focusing on likely economic instability and union power.
Third, the voters rejected a political leadership that had become extremely cynical about telling and revealing the truth. One of the first commitments the new administration was to improve was the Freedom of Information Laws.
Fourth, the voters selected a leader presented as one who had compassion for the disadvantaged. All members of the incoming government were required before their first meeting as a government, to visit one private and one public school to report on the ratio of computers per student. They were also required to visit a homeless shelter in their electorate and report on turn-away rates.
The new government signalled it would remove laws that allowed businesses to force contracts on all employees through individual negotiations, would sign the Kyoto international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and would remove Australian troops from Iraq.
Whatever subsequently happened to this government, an important signal had been sent to the world that values such as justice and fairness were still capable of winning elections.