Riding on the back of the war on terrorism, boat people and a disappointing economy, the Liberal party in Australia has been re-elected for a third term, in the largest pro-Government swing since 1966. Labor Opposition leader, Kim Beazley, generally regarded as a "thoroughly decent" man by his colleagues, resigned as Opposition leader to sit as a backbencher and spend more time with his family. Kim's speech, in which he conceded defeat and announced his resignation, was particularly dignified considering his personal disappointment.

What did we learn about ourselves in this election?

First, that the war on terrorism is important. The opposition, to its cost, was unable to maintain interest with Prime Minister John Howard dominating the news with support and commitments to the international coalition. It is now clear that the vast majority of people agreed with the Government's decisions, and its support of the US initiatives. That mandate now looks to continue for at least the next 3 years.

Second, we learned that we do care about illegal refugees. The Government's election position, that boat people should not "jump the queue" to gain entry to Australia, overcame any softer humanitarian arguments when put to the vote. With many families in Australia waiting months to hear if overseas relatives can be granted entry into Australia, the media frenzy surrounding the recent boat people struck a distasteful chord. Again, Howard read the electorate correctly - it wanted to see a "level playing field".

In reading a nervous, perhaps insecure population so accurately, Howard has won the election and maintained power for the Liberal party. He faces a challenging new term, inheriting his own policies on the war on terrorism, illegal immigration, health and education. Critics at home are already bringing pressure to bear over the Ansett Airlines recovery, a faltering world economy, a cabinet reshuffle after the departure of three ministers, and of course unemployment.

I wish John Howard luck. I think he's going to need it!