What's Next?

Presenting the 26th Prime Minister of Australia...

Kevin Rudd

It definitely is refreshing to see a new face change in Australian leadership and it is comforting to know that Rudd has vowed to be a "Prime Minister for all Australians", including those from Indigenous and migrant backgrounds. So the stage has been set and now it's time for us to sit back and watch how all the pre-election chatter and promises will translate into actions and policy reforms. I am particularly keen to see how the new labour goverment is going to handle the following issues:

1) What is Rudd going to do to pave the way for Indigenous reconciliation? Will there be a referendum to formally recognise Indigenous Australians in the preamble to the constitution? Will he have the guts to say the five letter word? *S-O-R-R-Y* No, not "I am apologetic about..." or "I can empathise with..." but the one word aboriginal people want to hear for the atrocities committed by the Australian goverment against those affected by their forced removal policies?

2) Will immigration rules change again? What are the new factors which are going to determine who we allow into the country? How is the infamous point system for skilled migrants going to be manipulated? What new fancy qualities must one possess to be deemed fit to become an Australian resident or citizen?

3) Interest rates! I am part of that demographic which has been hit hard by the interest rate hikes which John Howard promised to contain. While Rudd has clearly stated that he intends to make no such promises, I wonder what tricks he may have to "make the job of the Reserve Bank as easy as possible to keep interest rates as low as possible"?

4) What's the exit strategy for Australian troops from Iraq? I know Rudd is pretty intent on keeping America as an ally but is Australia going to continue its involvement in this mindless, diabolical affair which has butchered more than half a million innocents? Or is securing oil supplies still in the agenda?

5) The most important economic policy issue for Labour has been touted as "EDUCATION"...hmm...wonder what it means for teachers? A pay hike maybe?? *looks hopeful*

Kartik