Let the (Aussie) Games Begin

In other news, Prime Minister John Howard has called a national election for Australia.

While this six-week campaign may not be relevant to many Points-o-Info readers, there are several comparisons that can be made between this election and the recent Canadian General Election:

• The incumbent PM is "experienced", in his sixties, and is facing a new forty-something challenger (Mark Latham).
• For some reason that I can't fathom, the government is conducting a campaign of "trust" -- which party do you trust more?
• Health Care will be a major issue in this campaign.
• Neither political party has much for policy vision.

Internationally, eyes will be on the Australian election because it serves as another litmus test for the "coalition of the willing" -- as former Spanish PM Jose Maria Azar found out last March. Howard is portraying Latham as a national security novice who is against or indifferent to the alliance and George W. Bush. Conversely, Latham portrays Howard as America's "deputy sheriff", cozying up to the States at the expense of Australia's regional partnerships.

But, as in most national elections, regional concerns will be at the forefront -- from health care, to education, to the environment. So, will Howard be able to hang on with his Coalition? Will Latham be able to take over Parliament and become Australia's third-youngest prime minister?

Does any Point-o-Info reader care?