Australian National University politics academic, emeritus professor John Warhurst, said the move to cut 800 positions, mostly based in the capital, could see voters desert the two major parties.

“It’s possible it might boost the minor party vote,” he said.

“Voters may say both Labor and Liberal will cut the public service in Canberra and as a consequence I’m not going to vote for either of them.”

Canberra will bear the brunt of job cuts to the public service’s executive and senior executive ranks as the Rudd Government moves to pay for scrapping its carbon tax.

The cuts, announced on Tuesday, equates to a 1 per cent reduction.

Professor Warhurst said the election would also be one distinguished by choice.

The upcoming federal election will host the largest number of political parties on record, following the recent approval of three more parties.

The Republican Party of Australia, Australian Sports Party and Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party are the most recent approvals by the Australian Electoral Commission, bringing the count to 50.

No objections were received in relation to any of the three parties by the July 5 deadline.

Professor Warhurst said this was the first federal election he had witnessed with such vocal and widespread minor parties.

“This election will stand out as one where there’s lots of choice for voters,” he said.

“[But] the change to Kevin Rudd has tended to submerge the variety of voices. Everyone else is finding it hard to get air time at the moment.”

Another party application, lodged by 21st Century Australia, has also been advertised for objection.

The election date is yet to be announced by Mr Rudd, amid repeated calls from the Opposition.