It seems that the Coalition is going to secure its 39th Senate seat and will not need to rely on Family First to support any future legislation. This gives them a clear run to introduce, nay force, any number of draconian or regressive measures it likes.
As of the 1st July 2005, bar any miraculous conscientious objectors from the coalition getting in the way, Howard will have absolute, unfettered power. Australia will be the loser. All we can hope is that he plays it cool and keeps his hand firmly by his side, lest he reveal more of his Napoleonic traits.
What this will mean for various issues is anyone's guess. Telstra will undoubtedly be sold, but the devil is in the detail. The whispers of a break-up of the public telco could mean anything, for better or for worse.
Industrial relations is high on the agenda, but just how far he is prepared to go in this term is undecided. How badly does he want that fifth term of government? Even Whitlam concedes that Labor will be in opposition for another two terms.
And then we have foreign ownership laws, especially relating to the media. Analysts have been expecting Telstra to move into a traditional media presence, but the way in might be from reverse. Will Howard give the green light for the future USA-based News Ltd to take up a signicant piece of the Telstra pie? Are they interested?
It might herald the end of Australian culture as we know it, be it as weak as it currently is. BHP is no longer the Great Australian, our Aussie foods (like Vegemite and Arnotts) belong to others. Our entertainers must migrate to Hollywood and the UK to fuel their success, and not to mention the great brain drain that sees our intellectual property fail to carry a "Proudly Australian" badge. Even the Wiggles are Americanising their songs with themes of Central Park and being a New York fire-fighter, so why not rob us of more of the great Aussie spirit?
Hold on to your seats, Australia! We might be in for a bumpy ride.
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