‘Not as sharp’: ABC TV star Antony Green to step down after federal election

An ABC heavyweight will soon step down from his role after more than 30 years, saying he didn’t want to “play on a season too long”.

ABC’s chief election analyst Antony Green will step down following this year’s federal election coverage after more than 30 years in the role.

Green said he wanted to make sure he didn’t “play on a season too long” in a cheeky reference to footballers.

“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,” Green said, according to the ABC.

“It gets harder and harder. It’s like a footballer, sometimes they play on a season too long, and I’m making sure I don’t do that.”

Antony Green will step down following this year’s federal election. Picture: ABC

Green, who has covered more than 90 Australian elections, said it was “time to retire” but he would “stay on” for a couple years “handing over work and doing other things”.

“Essentially I’m deciding to retire and work less,” Green said.

Green’s final on-air appearances will be the West Australian state election on March 8 and the federal election, which is yet to be announced.

Casey Briggs will step in as ABC’s chief election and data analyst following the federal election.

Briggs said Green would be missed.

“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,” Briggs said.

“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.”

Antony Green has worked as the ABC’s chief election analyst for more than 30 years. Picture: Supplied

ABC news director Justin Stevens called Green an “institution and much-loved figure”.

“For more than three decades he has performed one of the ABC’s most important roles with precision, impartiality, dedication and unprecedented expertise,” Stevens said.

“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.”

Stevens also said Briggs had “superb” insights and analysis to offer.

“It’s fantastic to have someone of the calibre of Casey Briggs to step into this key role after this federal election,” he said.

“Casey’s analysis and insights are superb.”

ABC journalist Annabel Crabb said covering four federal elections with him had been “one of the great pleasures of (her) professional life”.

“What a gift it is to our democracy and to our national broadcaster that in 1989 this wee maths nerd saw the ad in the paper for a research position at the ABC and the late Ian Carroll recognised in him the sprouts of the Tree Of Wisdom he’d become!” Crabb wrote in a social media post.

“A legendary figure. A migrant success story. A generous colleague.”

Green will cover the WA state election. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

Green earlier said he’d always been good with numbers and wanted to do “something worthwhile” before he landed the job more than 30 years ago.

He studied an economics and politics degree before he applied for a contract role with the ABC working the federal election.

“I got this job as an election worker 36 years ago and I decided I enjoyed doing it – I’ve done a lot of development since,” he said.

“We worked out how to do websites, how to improve computer systems. I designed the current computer system and its basic functions and been through several upgrades with it.

“It’s been a long, fun journey.”

Green added 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 adrenaline rush,” he said.

“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.”

Originally published as ‘Not as sharp’: ABC TV star Antony Green to step down after federal election