New roles for Antony Green and Casey Briggs
After more than three decades of elections Antony Green has decided this year’s upcoming federal poll will be his last as the ABC’s Chief Elections Analyst.
Since his first on-air appearance in 1991 Antony has provided his insights and expertise for more than 90 Australian elections, including 13 federal polls as well as dozens of by-elections, several rounds of local elections and work covering overseas elections in the UK, New Zealand and Canada.
His final two on-air election appearances will be for the ABC’s WA state election coverage on Saturday 8 March and the soon-to-be-announced federal election.
Thankfully, Antony is staying with the ABC and will continue to consult on our election coverage in a behind-the-scenes role.
Following the federal election Casey Briggs will become the ABC’s Chief Election and Data Analyst, continuing to work closely with Antony.
Antony Green: “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.
“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.
“Covering elections for the last 36 years has been a wonderful and at time exhilarating experience. But each passing year has also made it a more exhausting experience. It is time to move on.”
Justin Stevens, Director, News: "Antony Green is 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. I’m sure our audience joins me in thanking him and wishing him well as he prepares for his final federal election broadcast.
“It’s fantastic to have someone of the calibre of Casey Briggs to step into this key role after this federal election. Casey’s analysis and insights are superb. He is ready for this step and I look forward to seeing his work on future elections.”
Casey Briggs : “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. For me, it has been such a privilege 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.”
ABC journalist and presenter Leigh Sales has worked alongside Antony for many years, including on the 2016, 2019 and 2022 federal election nights, and spoke to him for this story about his incredible career - please click here.
Leigh says: “I’m in awe of Antony’s knowledge and his ability to communicate complex ideas simply. I couldn’t have more respect for his professionalism and the invaluable contribution he’s made.”
FACTS ABOUT ANTONY GREEN:
- Antony was born in the UK and his family moved to Australia in 1964 when he was four.
- He studied at James Ruse Agricultural High, then did a degree in science and worked as a computer programmer before returning to Sydney University to study economics with a major in politics.
- Antony joined the ABC in August 1989 on a six-month contract as an election researcher for the 1990 election.
- His first on-air appearance was for the 1991 NSW state election, when the Liberal Party led by Nick Greiner narrowly defeated the Labor Party led by Bob Carr.
- His first on-air appearance on federal election night was in1993, when the Labor Party led by Paul Keating defeated the Coalition led by John Hewson. This was also the first federal election to use the ABC’s election computer system which Antony helped design.
- In 2016 he was awarded an Order of Australia for “his distinguished service to the broadcast media as an analyst and commentator for state and federal elections, and to the community as a key interpreter of Australian democracy”.
- Outside electoral systems, Antony’s passions are cycling and travel, especially when combined.