The ABC's chief election analyst, Antony Green, has announced his retirement following the upcoming federal election, concluding more than three decades of providing expert analysis to Australian voters. His tenure, which has seen him cover over 100 elections, marks the end of a significant era for Australia's national broadcaster.
Green's decision to step down was articulated on ABC’s breakfast show, where he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received throughout his career. “I’ve decided it’s time to retire,” he stated. “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.”
Beginning his career with the ABC as an election researcher in 1989, Green quickly rose through the ranks, deploying his unique combination of computer skills and analytical prowess. He made his first on-air appearance during the 1991 New South Wales election, solidifying his presence as one of Australia’s foremost election analysts. This year, he will lend his voice to both the West Australian state election on March 8 and the federal election, which is yet to be officially announced.
Over the years, Green's analytical approach has transformed electoral reporting. His work was not just limited to calculations; he brought life to complex data, enabling viewers to grasp the intricacies of electoral trends and voting patterns. He famously compared election nights to “bungee jumping for intellectuals,” describing the intense pressure and excitement of calling results with real-time data from the Electoral Commission. “You leap onto the void hoping the thin stream of data doesn’t snap, and still it provides me with the adrenaline rush every time,” he reflected, summarizing the challenges and thrills of live election coverage.
Antony Green has become synonymous with Australian politics over his career, earning widespread respect for his impartiality and expertise. Justin Stevens, ABC News Director, praised Green, calling him “an Australian institution and much-loved figure.” He continued, “For more than three decades, he has performed one of the ABC’s most important roles with precision, impartiality, dedication, and unprecedented expertise.”
The transition of leadership following Green’s departure will be shouldered by Casey Briggs, who will take up the position of Chief Election and Data Analyst after the federal elections. Briggs expressed admiration for Green, stating, “For more than three decades, Antony has set the bar for election analysis. He is sharp, fast, and, even under immense pressure, manages to keep his sense of humor.”
Green's career has not just been about presenting results. His technical contributions have been integral to developing the ABC's election computing systems, which have evolved significantly since he first helped design them more than 25 years ago—creating functionalities for both television broadcasts and online platforms.
Although he will not 'disappear' completely from the public eye, Green plans to stay engaged with the ABC through behind-the-scenes work, helping to mentor the next generation of analysts and preserve the knowledge he has accumulated over his astonishing career. He sees part of his legacy as ensuring the smooth transition of knowledge: “I want to leave my knowledge documented for future generations,” he stated. This sentiment underlines his loyalty to the ABC, which took a chance on him many years ago as he transitioned from the computer industry to journalism.
Reflecting on his career, Green noted, “Covering elections for the last 36 years has been wonderful and at times exhilarating, but also more exhausting each year.” Looking back, he marvels at the single decision he made 36 years ago, which has allowed him to partake in over 90 Australian elections, including 13 federal elections, and expand his expertise to overseas elections in the UK, New Zealand, and Canada.
Green acknowledges his shift from technical work to one of public presentation was facilitated by the support of ABC's distinguished journalists and producers, who identified his rare combination of analytical prowess and technical skills early on. He recalls how he was placed on air during his first federal election coverage: “The night was already late; everyone was pushing for me to be re-employed after the election due to my performance.” His career took off when he was introduced to on-air analysis—a role he adapted to with hard work and quick learning.
What will come next for Antony Green? He plans to indulge his passions for cycling and travel more extensively, but his commitment to the ABC will keep him linked to the electoral processes he has long covered. “After the federal election, I will take long service leave before coming back to guide the next generation.”
Lastly, Green took time to appreciate his colleagues and the audience he feels privileged to have served over the years. “I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received and the trust people placed in my ability to analyze and present complex electoral data,” he said, cementing his legacy not just as a key figure during election nights but as one who helped educate and inform the Australian public about their democracy.