It’s the end of an era for at the ABC, with election aficionado Antony Green choosing to step away from the camera and focus his talents behind-the-scenes.
Green, who has spent more than three decades informing and entertaining Australians on election nights, has decided his on-air tenure as the ABC’s chief elections analyst will come to an end at this year’s federal poll.
Since his debut in 1991, Green has offered expert commentary on over 90 Australian elections – including 13 federal polls, numerous by-elections, local contests and even overseas events in the UK, New Zealand and Canada.
Although stepping back from the microphone, Green will continue contributing as a behind-the-scenes consultant. His ongoing involvement ensures that his expertise remains a vital asset for the ABC, reinforcing the broadcaster’s commitment to evolving its approach and opening new avenues for trade and advertising engagement.
Antony Green doing what he does best.
Of his decision to step away, Green said while “covering elections for the last 36 years has been a wonderful and at time exhilarating experience”, he was finding that with each passing year the ritual was becoming a “more exhausting experience”.
“There are so many who’ve helped and backed me in my career. So many have trusted my knowledge, analytical skills and judgment on election night and backed me on ideas for the internet and in developing my results touchscreen. It is impossible to name them all,” he said.
Green also touched upon the enjoyment covering elections brought to him: “I used to say election night was like bungee jumping for intellectuals. You leap into the election night void hoping the thin stream of data from the Electoral Commission doesn’t snap. Election night still provides that adrenalin rush.”
Green will still stay at the ABC albeit in a behind-the-scenes roll which has not been announced. Stepping into his shoes will be Casey Briggs – who will take on the title of the ABC’s chief election and data analyst and continuing to work closely with Green.
Casey Briggs
Briggs said that working with Green has been “a privilege”, adding that he was lucky to have “had a front row seat to watch and learn from the master at work”.
“We will all miss him from our screens, but I’m thankful that at least we get a couple more chances to celebrate his monumental contribution to Australia and its democracy,” he said.
Born in the UK and relocating to Australia in 1964 at age four, Green later earned a degree in science and working as a computer programmer, he returned to The University of Sydney to study economics with a major in politics – a blend that would later underpin his innovative approach to election analysis.
Green joined the ABC in August 1989 as an election researcher for the 1990 election, making his on-air debut during the 1991 NSW state election. His first federal election night appearance in 1993 marked a pivotal moment as he helped design the ABC’s inaugural election computer system – a technological milestone that coincided with the Labor Party’s victory under Paul Keating.
In recognition of his contributions, Green was awarded an Order of Australia in 2016 for his distinguished service as a broadcaster and key interpreter of Australian democracy.
Green’s appeal transcended generations and social media trends, with the ‘Antony Green called it’ meme flooding timelines during elections.
Antony Green election meme.
The ABC’s news director, Justin Stevens, said Green is both an “Australian institution and much-loved figure with the public”.
“For more than three decades he has performed one of the ABC’s most important roles with precision, impartiality, dedication and unprecedented expertise. He has the ABC’s immense gratitude and respect,” he said.
Stevens went on to congratulate Briggs on his appointment saying “it’s fantastic to have someone of (Briggs) calibre step into this key role.”
Pictured: Antony Green