" Throw the bums out ! "

Last night the voters of New South Wales did precisely what the polls have been predicting for months. When the ballots were counted the Australian Labor party was reduced to a rump - as Kristina Keneally faded into oblivion and Barry O'Farrell was tasked with leading this state.

There is no point in listing the sins of Labor. They were no longer a government - merely a disgrace masquerading as a responsible body of management. The disgrace was so deep that even rusted on supporters despaired - and in many cases abandoned the Labor vote for the first time in their lives.

Today is the start of a new era. It is likely that Barry O'Farrell and his new crew will think long and hard before implementing each measure of change. An incoming government starts with a blank page - and the opportunity to be pragmatic and not dictated by political dogma from past years.

Labor will lick it's wounds and face the reality of - perhaps a long time on the opposition benches.
It is vital that the party rebuild itself from within because it is a fact of good government that those with their hands on the tiller need a strong alternative government standing in the wings to keep them honest.

For the people of New South Wales these will be exciting times. So much needs to be done and so many messes sorted out that a fresh breeze blowing through the musty corridors of power will be exhilarating.

The cry of " Throw the bums out ! " has been answered. Now it is up to the incoming crew to deliver the goods !