Antony Green: The Man Behind the Numbers Hangs Up His Election Analyst Hat
After more than 30 years of crunching numbers and analysing electoral trends, Antony Green AO is stepping down as the ABC’s chief election analyst. Known affectionately as "that election guy" or "the number cruncher," Green has become a household name in Australia, respected by the public and politicians alike for his impartiality and attention to detail.
According to an interview with Green on the ABC’s Take 5 podcast, he has covered over 100 state and federal elections since 1989, making him one of the most experienced election analysts in the country. As reported by the ABC, Green has become a trusted on-air figure, known for his ability to interpret real-time data and translate it into accurate electoral predictions.
But who is the man behind the numbers? Green’s appearance on the Take 5 podcast with host Zan Rowe has given fans a glimpse into his life outside of election analysis. An avid music lover, Green shared his favourite songs and stories, including tracks from rock bands Traffic and The Pretenders, as well as a solo track from Buzzcocks’ Pete Shelley. As the ABC reported, Green’s musical tastes are eclectic, spanning from the 1960s to the 1990s, with a particular fondness for Euro-disco and New Wave.
In the ABC-sourced article, Green revealed that he’s fascinated by the technical elements of music, including the process of tuning a piano and the evolution of electronic music. "Two of my regrets in life: one, not learning [another] language, and two, not learning any musical instruments," he said. Green’s love of music is not limited to listening; he’s also interested in the stories behind his favourite tracks. As quoted in the ABC article, he said, "I do dig back 1746272254… I’m one of those people who knows every bit of detail of the Beatles records and 60s stuff, who was in what band. That sort of stuff interests me."
Green’s career at the ABC spans over three decades, during which he’s become a household name. As reported by the ABC, he’s covered some of the most significant elections in Australian history, earning a reputation for his accuracy and impartiality. After his final election broadcast on Saturday, Green plans to celebrate with a quiet drink, saying, "I might have one drink. I’ll be very boring for the party afterwards."
As Green’s career comes full circle, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on his contributions to Australian journalism. As the ABC reported, Green’s legacy extends beyond his on-air work, with his influence on the way Australians consume and engage with election coverage immeasurable.
Green’s Take 5 playlist includes:
- Traffic — The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
- The Pretenders — Up the Neck
- Pete Shelley — Telephone Operator
- Simple Minds — I Travel
- D:Ream — Things Can Only Get Better
For those interested in hearing more from Green, the Take 5 podcast airs each Friday at 10am, with new episodes released every Friday morning. The ABC has been the source of this article, providing valuable insights into Green’s life and career.
