On Thursday, November 3, 2006, two days after Cup Day, Prime Minister John Howard steps down, after leading the nation for 10 years. The Liberal party votes unanimously to appoint Costello as it's leader on the 4th, and on the 5th, the Coalition government confirms that he is their choice for Prime Minister in a special Saturday Session.
Monday morning, Costello is sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia. His first act, on the steps of Yarralumla, is to declare that an election will be held on Saturday, the 2nd of December, 2006. In 26 days.
Kim Beazley is still the leader of the opposition, and will be facing his third election in this position, after Mark Latham lead Labor to a loss in October 2004. Polls show the Coalition at 48% and the ALP at 47% Two-party Preffered (TPP).
Day 1 (7/11/06): After Costello's announcement, Beazley makes a speech in Canberra. He promises a return the the Australia once known for it's laid back attitude, belief in mateship and opportunity for all. They release their official campaign slogan as "Back to Basics".
Day 2 (8/11/06): The campaign truly begins. Beazley and Costello agree to a single debate, to be moderated by Tony Jones of the ABC's
Lateline. Beazley visits Sydney, particularly the western suburbs, and releases a minor policy relating to a federal upgrade of major roads in the area. Costello remains in Canberra to deal with all the wind-up stuff for the government during the election campaign.
Day 3 (9/11/06): Beazley remains in Sydney, visiting every branch of the ALP and every primary school in the seat of
Parramatta, which the ALP holds by a very bare margin. Costello heads down to his homestate of Victoria, visiting numerous Lawn Bowls clubs in the western suburbs, and announcing that the Liberals will be offering a tax reform policy over the next few days. The first ads emerge on this day, also. The Greens release ads in Tasmania glorifying Bob Brown walking amongst the Styx forest saying "Protect Tasmania-here; *then a shift to workers at a factory being locked out* and here."
The Liberals release an ad 'explaining' why Costello was the best Treasurer in the world and why he is set to be the best Prime Minister (external debt, interest rates, etc.).
The ALP releases the typical sob story about the Liberal's education policies, giving more money to private schools then state schools.
More to come.