Home > Life

Australia goes into meltdown as prime minister flags early election

Australia's prime minister has cleared the way for a double dissolution election. Australia is losing it.

Jenni Ryall

on March 20, 2016

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Australia's prime minister has cleared the way for an early double dissolution election.

On Monday, Malcolm Turnbull wore a tie that matched the breaking news ticker, donned some new spectacles and took his time getting to the point of what he wanted to announce. You could cut the anticipation in the air with a butter knife.

You May Also Like

After spruiking his government, Turnbull announced that the federal budget would be moved forward to May 3 and recalled parliament for April 18, so the houses can have a final debate about "important economic reforms."

Then he got out the big guns: If the Senate doesn't agree to pass two bills it has been fighting over, he would trigger a double dissolution election for July 2. Bam.

For the non-political junkies: A double dissolution is called by the governor-general, as advised by the prime minister, to break a deadlock between the House of Representatives and the Senate -- the two Houses of Australian parliament.

Mashable Trend Report

Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means.

By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

A double dissolution occurs when the Senate will not pass a bill, despite numerous amendments being made by the House of Representatives. Both houses have to agree to pass a bill into legislation.

In this case, both parties will have a joint sitting to debate the two bills causing trouble: the Australian Building and Construction Commission and the Registered Organisations Bill. If the bills do not pass the Senate, Turnbull will call a double dissolution election, with the public going to the polls and their vote ultimately changing the members of the houses.

Obviously, Australia -- which loves a bit of political drama -- went into meltdown at the news. Twitter was flooded with thousands of tweets, with political junkies unable to contain their glee.

Bored with House of Cards? Move to Australia.

The circus has well and truly arrived back in town.

Including our old friend.

Treasurer Scott Morrison didn't know about Turnbull's plans until the last minute. He is not okay.

Don't worry Morrison, Turnbull has this under control.

He, like, knows Section 5.

The time for playing games is most definitely over. Guys, Turnbull has new glasses.

As #auspol trended, most of Australia stopped work to tweet immediately.

Others should have stepped away from Twitter.

The smart ones grabbed some popcorn, as they realised it was going to be a three month show.

Kill us now.

Missed Turnbull's speech? This kind person summarised it for you.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Jenni Ryall

Jenni Ryall is Mashable's VP of Content Strategy. She spends her time launching cool, new things such as Mashable Deals and Mashable Reels. On the other days, she is developing strong partnerships with companies including Apple News, Flipboard, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.