An original editorial written
by me:
Finally, the curtain on John Howards political career has been
called. After more than 11 years as Prime Minister and 33 years as
a parliamentarian, Mr Howard looks finished as the votes have shown
in last weeks exit polls.
Kudos to Maxine McKew for daring to stand against the outgoing
Prime Minister in his Bennelong constituency, which he has held
since 1974 and a traditional Liberal seat.
Of course, the Chinese community in Bennelong appeared to have
matured, if it is true that they deserted Mr Howard in droves. Not
forgetting the resentment the Indians in his electorate feel about
the Haneef case worked against the Coalition.
Overall, Mr Howard got done in by his focus on the past. It seems
likely that the Coalition got a little bit cocky this time round,
thinking old tactics could still work. It did not. Save for WA, the
swing to the Labor Party elsewhere was significant. So significant
that nothing could save Bennelong from falling into Ms McKews
hands, if the figures are anything to go by.
There were analysts who felt that single mothers felt most
alienated by the Howard governments policies. I am sure the East
Fremantle single mother pursuing an education degree could not
agree more. She might have to put her studies on hold due to the
lack of childcare grants available. Ironically, the nation faces a
shortage of teachers, particularly in the West. This brings to mind
Kevin Rudds so-called educational revolution. Hopefully, he can
work more closely with Alan Carpenter to fix the problems in WA
schools.
The battle in WA seemed to be fought more on local issues on the
whole. The Coalitions Luke Simpkins managed to snare Cowan
following Labor member Graham Edwards retirement, but it is just a
hollow victory if the big picture is examined. The booming economy
in WA meant voters over here were more likely to support incumbent
parties, but there are also a significant number of disadvantaged
families in the West, like it is nationwide. These people may have
played their part in bringing back Sharryn Jackson in
Hasluck.
However, I believe in giving credit when it is due. John Howard has
presided over some difficult times. He steered Australia out of
recession in the late 1990s, only for 9/11 to rock the world
economy again in 2001. He has endured the pain of seeing his
compatriots die in two terrorist strikes in Bali, as well as the
2004 attack on the Australian embassy in Jakarta. Mr Howard has
seen tough times and shared the ups and downs with the rest of the
nation. Yet, as the Nelly Furtado song goes, all good things must
come to an end. The Coalition has shown to be past its time. Now it
is time for Labor to step in and apply some new and better
ideas.
I hope for a bright future under Labor and Kevin Rudd. But it is
hard not to feel sorry for Mr Howard at times, though. In addition,
the Liberals seem to be a fractured lot following their crushing
defeat. Hopefully they can get their act together and elect a
credible leader for the next election.
