The Libs don't want the AWU matter resolved until closer to the election because it is clear now that, with the support of Thompson, Slipper, The Greens and the 2 Northern NSW clowns, the Govt will run its full term. Same now with the HSU and Obeid scandals. All running sores for the ALP in an election year.
Its been Joel FitzGibbon and other Rudd loyalists who kept the AWU scandal alive in the public consciousness. Libs only got involved late last year to fend off the disgraceful personal 'misogyny' attacks on Abbott.
The Australian press has been devastated by technological change and there are now only a handful of quality investigative journalists left (eg Kate McClymont). The AWU scandal was alive and well here on hotcopper and elsewhere 12 months before the mainstream media could muster the resources or the courage to investigate it. Remember, Thompson sued the Herald (and failed) and there have been numerous threats from cabinet to muzzle The Australian. The ABC, the media arm of the ALP, were very dismissive of the AWU matter and only very reluctantly and briefly, reported on it.
Abbott would rather face Gillard the Rudd. But he knows she has one formidable quality (no, not honesty, integrity, loyalty, morality, compassion). But she is tough and will stop at nothing to hang onto the trappings of power.
