Labor Day

It is the end of an era. After over 11 years as the leader of Australia, John Howard has been dismissed - losing not only his position as prime minister, but also his own seat, leaving him no home in the federal government. A decade of economic growth, rising incomes and tax cuts were not enough to woo Australian voters this time around, which begs the question, what does one have to do?

Well, whatever it is, Kevin Rudd seems to have done it, and Australia now has a younger, cuddlier leader. As an American, it has been an interesting election. First, because it was all wrapped up in about six weeks (America could learn something from this). Second, voting in compulsory (America would be a different place if it picked up that policy). Third, I find the differences between Labor and Liberal parties so fleetingly small, it surprises me that anyone can get worked up about an election.

With Labor now in power, a number of questions arise:

What can Rudd really do on the climate change issue? OK, so he's promised to ratify the Kyoto Protocol? Big freakin' deal - then what?

Can Rudd really deliver substantive improvements on issues such as education, child care, and health care?

Will Australia become a Republic or will it continue to pay homage to the Queen?

What's next for Australian soldiers in Iraq?

Will Australian's unions steamroll business under a Labor government as the Liberal Party claimed during the campaign?

Where do relations between Australia and the U.S. go from here (probably have to wait for Americans to have a turn at the polls before we know that)?

We shall see. . .