Democrats The Democrats have expressed some reservations about dealing with Mr Abbott. Mr Abbott will have the task of negotiating with the Democrats on industrial relations changes the Government wants to get through Parliament, negotiations which were seen to have stalled under Mr Reith. Senator Lees says Mr Abbott has to be prepared to be cooperative and to tone down his language. Meanwhile the Prime Minister says he is especially pleased to be able to welcome Amanda Vanstone back into Cabinet. Mr Howard says she has not only done an excellent job with the Justice and Customs Ministry, but he was also impressed with her personally.
Asthma medications face tests.
The election campaign is coming as Australian retailers brace themselves for massive impacts from last month's terror attack in New York. The Anglican Church in Melbourne has attacked Australia's treatment of asylum seekers, with some members of the clergy calling for a royal commission.