The future is being devised from a three-bedroom share house in Randwick with a view of Sydney Airport and the cranes at Botany Bay. Here sits the leader of the Future Party, plotting his policies as one of a slew of new political contenders. ''I see the potential to change the world for the better,'' James Jansson, 28, says, though it's not easy from his bedroom.

Fifty-three parties will contest this year's election, more than double the number of 2010. Joining the fray last week: Coke in the Bubblers, Australian Independents and the Smokers' Rights Party.

Illustration: Cathy Wilcox

Magnifying sheets have been ordered for voting booths in NSW, Victoria and Queensland to help with bulging ballot papers. To the short-sighted or confused, we offer this potted guide to the new political parties for the 2013 federal election, whenever that might be.

IT workers will rule the world. The chieftains of the Animal Justice Party, Pirate Party Australia and the Smokers' Rights Party all work in information technology. The Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party's chairman, Tony Standfield, 41, is an IT-support analyst. ''Maybe we're just bored,'' he says.