The high courts decision may be for the best- after long term ALP governments in all the states all we have is unresolved problems. We're running out of water, no faith in our hospitals and premiers who have told more lies in the last week than JH has told in 3 terms. Who are the real rodents?

If I was a betting man I would bet the government will be returned at the next election by an increased majority in parliament. Why? Not because all Australians agree with Work Choices but because John Howard had signalled it was going to happen long before the previous election and everybody knew that's what he stood for. Thats the thing about Johnny- you know what you're getting.

Perhaps if the far left and union leaders in this country could for one second get past calling JH names like 'rodent' and start coming up with real sollutions the real workers of this country (not the union standover merchants) would return to the ALP. Blue collar workers are now, as evidenced in many polls, the real backbone of the government-not because of apathy but because they see what the ALP has been reduced to and are embarrassed about it. I also am guessing that they are sick of being patronised by the left in this country.

wre,

The term "rodent" actually was coined by Howard's own Parliamentary colleagues and accidentally publicly exposed by George Brandis.

It's common knowledge that he is referred to as "the rodent" and "the Prime Miniature" among the Libs, just as the name "Verandah Sandstone" describes one of his well-known Senators.

He is tolerated by his colleagues because he's been a winner but not many actually like him personally.

The context was that he was a "lying rodent" that would have to get bailed out once again for a faux pas, but Brandis gallantly tried to change it to a term of affection suggesting that he "gnaws away" at matters.

Yeah, sure.

Leigh,I read with interest your comments but I can't agree.You said Liberals are good at managing money,how do you explain the deficit which grows by the month?WA were working in the black after paying off their debt,now with all the infrastructer happening I would like to see the true figures .I would really like to know how you believe the Howard government have helped the states.I know our states health system for one is in crisis along with many other areas,yet it continually gets worse.I have seen how the Liberal government take,but I'm at a loss to see where they have given back.If the States wanted a Liberal government running them, the People would have elected them.Have a look at the laws introduced by Mr Howard it's more like a dictatorship.