Yesterday the voters of Penrith delivered an almighty kick in the butt to the state governing Labor party. In part this was punishment for the criminal behaviour of the former member, but a twenty percent swing in a seat which is usually considered safe Labor territory with at least a ten percent cushion - indicates a swing in the mood of politics.
This is clearly evident in the abysmal approval ratings for prime minister Kevin Rudd. Rudd swept into office in a wave of almost hysteria - promising change and fresh thinking. Surprisingly, voters turned away from John Howard in droves, despite his government delivering a healthy economy, control of boat people arrivals and little political controversy.
Great things were expected of Rudd. He certainly experienced the misfortune of the Wall street caused recession soon after taking office, but since day one his record has been one of dismal failure. It is hard to point to a single election promise that has not been either abandoned - or mired in recrimination because of poor management and mishandling.
Perhaps the issue that voters find hardest to forgive is the abandonment of the emissions trading scheme, the insulation fiasco - and now the dubious rationale of the mining super tax.
Rudd seems to have lost the confidence of the voters - and Rudd was the reason those voters swept Labor into power.
It seems that we are entering a new, cyclical political cycle and politics in Australia are about to become fragmented. As has happened in Britain and other countries the old two party system is about to change with new players emerging.
The road ahead may be about to deliver a bumpy ride !
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