It has occurred to me that the reason for calling an election almost 9 months out may have little to do with securing Gillard's position or forcing Abbott to release and cost his policies early [which he won't].
Peter Slipper is due to appear on criminal charges in a few weeks. His superannuation may be at risk if he is convicted so there is every likelihood that he may resign before the case is finalised to preserve his super.
I may be wrong but once an election is called, the Electoral Commission is not obliged to conduct a by-election if a seat becomes vacant. It waits until the scheduled election. The Coalition are a shoe-in in Fisher so maybe she is trying to preserve some slim majority in the HofR.
Ditto Thomson. It is reported he is to be charged this Friday. If he were to go for any reason eg the pressure became unbearable, the Coalition would undoubtedly win Dobell. Two less government supporters is bad enough but two extra Opposition supporters would be the end.
Two by-elections would tip Gillard from the Lodge. Has she taken political opportunism to a whole new level? Whatever it takes?
