“why hand over federal power to the party that runs all those incompetent governments when the Coalition is doing a reasonable job?”

A few responses come to mind here, all of them pretty obvious, so I’m surprised you didn’t think of them before posting this, Graham.

First, the reason our states are being run by a bunch of no-hopers is that the state oppositions are worse. So you could just as easily be asking, “Why would we reinstate in Canberra the party that can’t even organise a chook raffle in the states?”

Second, you don’t have to dig deeply to find federal contributions to state blunders. The difficulties of state health and education departments can at least in part be explained by federal decisions. In particular, Peter Costello’s interventionist approach to state finances means that the feds can’t avoid some of the blame for the situation in the states.

Third, Arjay’s response implies that Australians are consciously strategic in their voting, with the intention of creating a balance in government. Sure, it’s possible to identify a periods when state and federal governments were formed by opposing parties, but I’m sceptical about claims of purposefulness here. That we gave the conservatives power in both houses seems like the most obvious argument against the view that we vote strategically to maintain balance.

Fourth, state Liberal Party branches are disturbingly close to the religious right, especially in NSW. Given the census results that show us becoming less religious, I can’t see what’s happening in the states as providing impetus for returning the federal government.

In short, I reckon we’ll probably decide this one on its federal merits. Far from being strategic, I think we’re most likely to take a look at both sides, and make a decision based on their offerings in this one particular election.

Rainier, Balmoral is in Scotland.

Oh, I'm in the wrong place!

I thought this was an article about Japanese water torture!

It should be, perhaps I'll turn it into a discussion on Japanese water torture?

No...better not.

[the 'White Warlock' runs off into the night...]

LOL. White Warlock, you're funny.

Arjay

If GY is correct Turnbull will not be in the next parliament, you reckon he is going to wait six years?

I doubt it.

An 8% swing to labor looks very likely. That means seats with a 16% margin are in doubt. The Liberal Party will be very different after the election.

Wilson Tuckey may be the next oposition leader. :)

Mal Brough is the newly annointed 'Howard's Hero'. Costello et al have no hope of taking over. It will be 'Johnny's Joke' on them all, especially the faithful lapdog 'Pete the Pup'. Can only hope it is in Opposition. It is time Australia had a conscience again and is able to put true and meaningful reforms in place that have real funding at the grassroots level rather than a pretty bandaid effect. Let's vote for Party Policies and not Party Personalities. There seems to be some confusion out and about over State and Federal reps and Parties, as well as the fact that we do not get to elect the Prime Minister, only the Party they represent. Be informed...information is power.
(And make sure everyone you know is enrolled to vote, particularly if they have recently turned 18 or changed address!!)