REAL CHANGE WON'T BE HAPPENING, NOW

Before embarking on a course of action, it's always important to choose the right 'mission'.

That's the disaster that accompanies the series of 'culture reviews' Defence has undergone over the past year. They'll change nothing.

Far better to consider how it might have been done differently . . .

RUDD REDUX? CARR DID.

Political lives rarely end in glory.

The contrast between  Kevin Rudd and Bob Carr is instructive.

Perhaps it's got something to do with the motivation behind their actions. Or perhaps it's just luck . . .

CARR'S FOREIGN AFFAIR

So.

Bob Carr did come to Canberra in the end . . .

BRAND NEW DAY

A new start. Again.

This time, of course, it will all be different. Apart from the stuff that's the same.

This was written and filed to the Canberra Times hours before yesterdays ballot (forgive the boasting). nothing has required any changes . . .

A SOAP OPERA

One of the particapants in Labor's leadership challenge has likened it to "a soap opera'.

If only. Commercial soapies have a beginning, middle and, most importantly, an end. Will Labor's? I doubt it. At least until an Abbott government is installed, anyway . . .

IT'S ON - WELL, ALMOST

Kevin Rudd is about to announce he's going to challenge.

Of course, he's saying he's going to "consult with his colleagues" first.

Ho ho. He's a joker, isn't he?

This is the form guide for the challenge . . .

THE POISONOUS CHALICE THAT IS THE LEADERSHIP

My partner keeps telling me to act from the best of principles. She believes that if your heart is pure, and you intend no ill, everything will be for the best. You need to operate with a clear conscience.

This is something that this column explores. But only right at the very end.