The Rudd Government’s push for greater transparency in the performance of schools has been widely read as copycat politics. Successive Liberal ministers were determined to “out” poorly performing schools. How is Kevin Rudd different?

Successive Labor governments have ignored the union movement’s power inside the party. The example of Simon Crean is no great encouragement to further action. But it is a problem that is not going to go away. Party members in New South Wales are emboldened by the victory they have achieved over the Iemma Government.