The Howard Government out of touch? Sure are … so much so that it seems prominent Minister Joe Hockey doesn’t even know where his own electorate boundaries are. I received a glossy 4-page brochure from Joe last night in my mailbox. Only problem is I don’t live in the North Sydney electorate I live in Bradfield!

I have heard from a very reliable source that John Howard’s personal physician has been advised that come December he will no longer be required. He has been with the PM for 16 years! The good doctor has “quietly” placed his house on the market to sell and been told not to make this information public and is moving to Melbourne to take up a position.

From a parliament house employee: Did you know that the (federal) parliament house web server blocks employee access to the website for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party – with the message that the “category ‘Racism and Hate’ is filtered”?! Presumably this would have to change if One Nation get any candidates up at the next federal election … heaven forbid!

With Peter Beattie’s retirement triggering a by-election in Brisbane Central, there has been speculation that local resident and Liberal Party “Great Hope” Campbell Newman will run in the by-election. This is absolutely NOT true. However, when the dust settles Tim Nicholls (Clayfield) will make a move on Bruce Flegg and will be successful (he has one Flegg supporter’s vote, thus breaking the split party room vote.) Flegg is expected to then resign causing another by-election for Mogill and Mr Newman will run in the Mogill by-election. If he wins the Mogill by-election (very likely) Nicholls will then move aside for his old Brisbane council boss and Newman will lead the “Newman – New Team” Liberals into the next state election against Anna Bligh.