Labour looks set to end Howard’s way

AUSTRALIAN prime minister John Howard made a last-ditch appeal to family voters yesterday as polls showed his conservative government facing near-certain election defeat on November 24 in the wake of interest rate hikes.

Howard, standing in front of an Australian flag and a “go for growth” slogan, formally launched his campaign with a promise of full employment despite gathering international “storm clouds” due to rocketing oil prices and the US subprime mortgage meltdown.

But storm clouds hung over Mr Howard’s campaign just a fortnight out from the election. The key Newspoll in the Australian newspaper showed the opposition Labour Party widening its year-long lead following last week’s central bank interest rate hike, the sixth in three years.

Labour has opened a 10-point lead over Mr Howard’s coalition, which has ruled since 1996.

The opposition leads 55% to 45% when preferences are distributed to the two main parties.

If confirmed at the ballot box, Labour would sweep to power with 92 seats in the 150-seat lower house, 32 more than at present, while conservative ranks would be decimated, losing 31, leading election analyst Antony Green said.

Labour leader Kevin Rudd needs to gain just 16 seats to win government. He will officially launch his campaign today.

Mr Howard, looking tired and fighting a cold, said a re-elected conservative government would offer tax-free accounts for first homebuyers to combat soaring house prices.

On top of already promised tax breaks worth A$34 billion, his government would also grant refunds for education expenses and upfront payment of childcare fees, said Mr Howard.

In a campaign marred by accusations of copy-cat policy theft, Mr Rudd accused the government of being stale.