fed alp now 20 pcent ahead in polls, page-43

I think he sees that he would be a better asset on Senate committees and reviewing decisions, rather than the present role as an independent in the House of Reps.

As to why we just do not let the government govern... well I think that it can be problematic when a government of any colours can ram through whatever it likes thanks to a majority of the senate. I remember what Meg Lees did with the GST vote... she copped a lot for it but those concessions never would have occurred if there was not another group with the balance of power.

Of course it can be compromised and used for purposes that are not ideal but nothing is perfect in this world and I think that a few reasonably minded individuals like Andren would be better with the balance of power than a government with absolute power.