To a very large extent, I agree with her. The thrust of her...

To a very large extent, I agree with her. The thrust of her words on the ABC were in regard to the Rudd assassination by Gillard and was an accurate reflection particularly in Queensland as to why the Labor Party lost the popular vote.

There were of course a number of other factors as well, but the political assassination of Rudd by Gillard would have disaffected many Labor voters, turning to the Greens and don't forget the huge "donkey vote" - many Labor voters would have voted informally as a protest. Many Labor voters were appalled at what happened to Rudd.

In Queensland, even if they didn't like Rudd, they identified with Rudd as a Queenslander......."don't you dare assassinate our man, a Queenslander you southerner you"....referring to Gillard.

I think McKew just spoke the truth...the reality of the huge swing away from Labor particularly in Queensland which ultimately cost Labor their majority.