Strangely enough, this "political junkie" developed an aversion to Australian politics sometime around the lead-up to the last election and hasn't watched any politics on a TV screen since - (kinda strange for someone who used to watch parliament question time for enjoyment).

What a dearth of inspiration inhabits our political landscape these days.

I'm inclined to agree with SPQR. It is Julia Gillard who should resign, as an acceptance that she commands neither the respect of the electorate nor the wholehearted support of her own Party.

There are so many back-stories in play at the moment that it is difficult to get even a vaguely-true picture of the situation. Story One: Ms Gillard is apparently a really intelligent lady, warm and witty, but with an appalling public persona that grates on the electorate. Story Two: Kevin Rudd is a cold-hearted, foul-mouthed bully, with the personality of a pit-bull but the schmoozing public face of a Liberace.

Story Three: Actually, Julia Gillard is preferred over Tony Abbott on a head-to-head basis by the majority of people.

If we strip away the journalistic "let's make a story" layer, we are left with a political party that hasn't the faintest idea what it stands for, or why. As such, it is infinitely more difficult to work out what sort of leader it needs.

The lady should take the challenge - not to face down Rudd, but to demand honesty from her own Party. Ask them to choose a leader based upon what they think needs to be done for the country, and not just for the sake of keeping their own sheltered-workshop sinecure for as long as they are able.

That should keep them busy for a while.

Pericles,Labor haven't a clue what the needs of the country are.What hope have they of picking a leader who that can be effective? They will pick a leader that the media ordains as electable,not one who can think independantly or fix our economy.

With Labor ,it is not only a lack of talent and intelligence but an enormous vauuum in the courage arena.Everyone of them is a gutless wonder who are there just to collect the parliamentary pension.

I don't think Rudd is that dumb, he's as cunning as Batty Beattie. The Labor party is finished in the polls [ lets see what QLD results turn up, though]and if he challenges the PM now, even with resounding approval from all factions; the public perception of the labor machine will be grinding metal on metal regardless. Would he want to self destruct his potential political future [ as untenable as it is NOW]by assisting in labors demise?. If so, it's his own alternative agenda and revenge for his position as it is now.

I'm not so sure that a double dissolution would stuff up the Greens.
There is a huge number of despairing once ALP voters who remain committed to social justice and doing something about global warming, and therefore who cannot contemplate voting for a Coalition led by Abbott but have given up on Labor, at least for now.

I suspect that many will decide they have nowhere else to go but to the Greens.

I'm predicting that the Greens will do very well in the next election off the backs of these people, particularly in the Senate, where I have no doubt they will hold the balance of power in much the same way as the Democrats did for many years.

Moreover, setting their policies aside for a moment, the Greens have two things working in their favour.

First, as they gain in power their more extreme positions are moderating. This commonly happens when a small, narrowly focused party gains some power and then has to deal with reality.

Second, love them or hate them, the Greens' position on most issues is generally consistent with the party's stated values, giving them a degree of credibility that at the moment both major parties lack.

It's going to be an interesting election to follow, that's for sure.
Anthony
http://www.observationpoint.com.au

What is going on here. Getting somewhat in front of yourself don't you think. I do not think Rudd will bring on a challenge. You are hearing rumors. Rudd is a mischief maker, and that is as far as he can go.
He didn't get moved on for no reason.
Julia could very well sack Rudd and put him on the back bench, or else he will plead elegance and toe the line, and keep his foreign ministers role and his UN duties.
So do not get to excited.