One very simple proposition should dominate federal politics this week – one simple proposition based on one of two hypotheses.

We’ll know which hypothesis to use once the Cole Report is tabled this afternoon, but both should be equally damning: Either the Howard Government knew AWB was making payments to Saddam Hussein’s regime – which means it colluded with illegal acts – or it didn’t – which means it’s incompetent and negligent.

One or the other should dominate parliament this week – should.

We say should because leading the prosecution is the ALP, headed by Kim Beazley.

Cole should be a gift for the Labor leader – should.

We’ll know by the end of the week who’s got their Christmas pressie early.