I wonder if Juliar is deliberately making the reforms so unpalatable that even the labor states reject it in order that she appears to be a thwarted reformer so she won't face yet another budget black hole?

Good article, with strong facts.

SM I really doubt Gillard can think that deeply. Sure some of her advisers probably come up with such nefarious plans, but I doubt Gillard can plan anything.

One thing she shares with Rudd is quick transition. Have an idea at 10.00 AM. Put out a press release at 11.00AM. Read papers at 3.00PM. See what a bad idea it was, but the new no more back flips policy means she can't change it now, so that's policy.

5.00 PM, try to find a new tax to pay for yet another stuff up.

7.00 PM, give up, chuck something nasty at Abbott, again.

What could go wrong, a Great big new "project", needing Great big buckets of money by someone who seems to keep C Thompson on as at least he could organise a something "in a brothel".

A Premier would have to be mad to listen to any of the death rattles of this failed Regime.

Why do people call the PM Juliar when it's painfully clear that she is so incompetent that she doesn't even know if she is lying or not. I think it's unfair, it requires a more apt definition.

"Hanlon's razor, an adage: "Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."

Back of the envelope reforms?
Well, if that's the author's view, then the authors research into Labour's proposed reforms, could probably be written on a postage stamp, using a crowbar for a pen.
Or put another way, bah humbug, and so glaringly partisan, not even good propaganda!
One proposed reform that the PM studiously avoids, is marriage equality. Some strong arm tactics in this area, would do her nothing but good! [It very clearly did nothing but good for President Obama's re-election prospects!]
Should the PM be smart enough to change her mind, (road to Damascus moment) very soon, within a month say, and follow New Zealand's lead, it could make the coming electoral competition a lot closer, or indeed, possibly provide her with a narrow, if workable victory.
Accepting gay marriage as both inevitable and a right, could allow the PM to further wedge Tony Abbott, who is already indicating he could be open to a conscience vote, in the first term of an Abbott Govt.
Simply put, he can't change his mind now, given his iron clad commitment to go to the election opposing marriage equality.
Much of his support comes from the religious right, and likely to dessert him in droves, and back to one nation, or its current equivalent, were he to change his mind.
So if the PM were to change her mind, Tony would be further wedged.
Pine looks rattled on education, given he is already on the record vehemently opposing Gonki's reforms, and seems to want to further entrench privilege?
Giving Labour a very powerful tool to wedge him and the coalition with!?
Tony however, is looking more confident and self assured, particularly, when he doesn't have to compromise on his core values?
Rhrosty.

I'm surprised that Gillard is not promising free trips to the moon for all those who vote for her. She might also promise to ride naked on a horse if she is re-elected although telling which was which might prove difficult.

Never has Australia seen the likes of Gillard. Hopefully we won't ever see it again. She is an opportunist at best and a fool at worst.

She also proves conclusively that lawyers should not be allowed near any Parliament, State or Federal.