It sounds very much like we will be having a federal election in November, which is no great surprise. It’s interesting to reflect for a moment on why the hell we have a system in which one side may choose when the election is to take place anyway.

If you’ve moved since the last election or are a first time voter, you need to make sure that you are enrolled to vote ASAP – the government has helpfully amended the electoral laws to prevent people from enrolling after an election is called (you know, when they might actually be thinking about it). Coincidentally this will eliminate many younger people and new migrants who tend to be more left-of-centre.

Meanwhile, Mr Costello also tells us the economy going bad would be good for the government, and the PM hits us with the revelation that “I can read polls” and “they are very bad” – it’s true, at the moment they are on a hiding to nothing, though as always things could change in a heartbeat.