but neither party would be likely to win an election in their...

but neither party would be likely to win an election in their own right as their current behaviour/attitudes extend. even Howard only managed to win 2 elections on the Lib vote.

the Nats have preferred mining companies to farming. just look how they've pushed CSG extraction and other mining ventures which damage the environment, ie. soil and water contamination, and so farmers' ability to do their job.

but they are necessary for the Libs in coalition as they need the seats to prevent the Labs from winning govt. and lets face it, stopping the Labs from winning is the top priority. they do hate to be shown up as the failures and the Labs as successful.