Actually PAF, US economic growth has been pretty robust too, like Australia's, yet their big airlines are in all sorts of trouble.
Maybe there is more to it than only economic circumstances?
The Howard government does indeed have generally good economic sense, but they have also been fortunate to ride a wave of western prosperity in recent years. The same is true for many western governments, irrespective of whether their policies have lent to the 'left', 'centre' or 'right' in the last 15 years. Even the arch-socialist countries of Europe (aka France, etc) are still growing economically, albeit slowly! I have to draw the line at praising him though, in respect of the IR laws. You'll be largely insulated from them in your current job (which BTW now pays WAY more than 10 years ago primarily because mine pays better! I can run through the history of that if you like).
I sure as heck won't be!
Keg brings up a very pertinent point. I too would be quite happy to have the same 'ground rules' applied as the CEO. Unfortunately though, corporate governance (if there is such a thing) in Australia just doesn't work like that. For example an Aussie CEO, far more so than an American CEO, can lead a viable company into oblivion and still walk away with millions.
