The balance of power in the Senate needs more than just rhetoric, Australian Democrats leader Lyn Allison said in a media release yesterday bagging the Nationals for folding on media laws.

“National Party rhetoric, while attracting plenty of attention, in the end does little to address the very real issues of unacceptably increased media power and influence,” she said.

Not than the Dems can do much. Now. But could they maybe do so again in the future? Welcome to a Crikey hypothetical.

You have just been appointed National Director of the Australian Democrats. Your party is tracking poorly, you have no money, the Greens look like taking your Senate spots and your members are glum.

But all is not lost – yet. You still have the resources of four Senators, a reasonable party support base and a proud past parliamentary record.

So, your task is to come up with a basic five point plan to hold the remaining four senate spots – and perhaps capture another to win back party status.

Any takers? Copies of your advice, please, to christian@crikey.com.au.