Opinionated,

Fair call in some respects, but you know as well as i do that there are plenty of ways to think outside the square for media attention. Comments are asked for when the representative is in front of them, most of the time the media do not know what the incoming comment will be, but if succinctly worded you can both increase your standing, whilst showing the failings of the government with little negativity.

You dont have to bark and bite to be a bull dog, you can lick and smile yet get the same result.

Get your profile out there, it is not hard even with little resources when you have a history and brandwidth like the democrats have.

Get people to respect and value your comments, rather than 50% of people who are liberal voters scoffing at them, 30% may agree but doubt you, and 20% agree entirely.

If you offerred constructive (even condascending at times if you feel) advice to the government on a regular basis as a mother or big brother, rather than bag them, you would show that as an Australian and a politician you are committed to a better Australia, and you will raise your esteem with the people, whilst illustrating your ability as an alternative government.

If the government does not accept your continued help and advice over the course of term and they fail, watch out you may become the prefferred and only logical option when looking for inevitable change as we will in a few years.

They may pinch your ideas whatever, if they implement them, it shows that you are making Australia a better place. Well done.

A change is needed. Dont listen to this if you like, but at this stage you have no point of difference and no reason for Australia to embrace you.

Work towards the next election, reinvent yourselves, you need it.

John Howard happens to be the most brilliant politician we've had for many years.

It's just that he has no redeeming features.

Yes Lyn you are Right 10 Years is a long time for J-Howard or any-one=else as-P-M......but what are the Achievements ZERO-?
he has been beating his chest for the last 10 Years -but i think he is a very Weak-Man-im many Ways-never mind is running in Kirribilly
About Iraq-did the P-M ever invited his 2-Sons and Daughter -to Go and fight the War in Iraq-?-Have a good Day

Yes 10 Years for any Administration is far to long -J-Howard in 10-Years has done far to much damage to the Fabric of this Country it will take a very long time to-undo the Damage -if the P-M-had real Concern and Vision for Australia and the People of Australia he would have at least triyed to introduce 4-Years fix-Term -Parliament 10 Years is more like DICTATORSHIP in any one-Language i am not sure what is Happening to the People-Very concerned Citizen,,

Arjay,
Mate are you an expert, or do you keep voting for Bonsai because you are as bereft of ideas as he is? If you are an expert Tory supporter, could you please number from 1-10 what you consider to be his top infastructure contributions to the nation over the last 10 years, I'll start you off:

1. Adelaide to Darwin railway

2.

3.

etc, I will then list my top 5 in the negative, let's see how we compare.

Shonga the biggest areas of reform that no party currently has the courage to face is that of tax i.e. simplification,eliminating churning,reducing the burden on the worker;getting the bludgers off social security and reform of our so called free Medical services.Rich people should not have access to free medical services nor should the poor just be able to rock up to a Doctor for free because they have a runny nose,or be it some pensioner that is feeling lonely and wants a chat.It is just wasteful.There are real solutions ,but there are too many powerful self interest groups who want a free ride.I see the other major issue is that of reform of our Public Services both Federal and State.They are both wasteful and burden on the private system that produces wealth.We also need to get the litter gation lawyers under control to reduce workers comp and public liability claims.

The Howard Govt is still a very socialists Govt.They have spent more on this area as a percentage of GDP than any other Govt because they have grown the economy and collected more tax through the GST;yet our Labor State Govts seem never to have enough.

Now if Labor or the Democrates had the courage to face the real issues,then they would get our votes.There would be more money for the mentally ill,infrastructure etc and as the economy grows more time for ordinary folk to enjoy their lives instead of being slaves to a wasteful system.It isn't rocket science,we just lack the will and the courage.

If Labor and the Democrats confronted the real issues they would be in power at the next election,but instead they want to skirt around the real issues telling us of our rights and how to get a free ride.