All around the world the "Greens" are thriving - partly because there is no spread of politics in traditional parties and partly because all the mainstream parties seem to be lost for inspiration and variety - not to mention that most countries have swung so far right with economic rationalism and laissez-faire business controls etc that voters are becoming disillusioned.
While the conservatives have captured back the rabid right by moving to the right, a big hole has appeared on the left and the greens are the only ones left on that side of politics. Look to the greens to hold the balance of power in Australia, especially now the Democrats have revealed themselves as self-interested wankers and wankees.