Blackhand:
I'm concerned about GOBBLEs fetish with piles of poo, both monkey and pony.
None the less, I guess most Ministers of Aviation don't see the portfolio as a "career move", rather some where to be while waiting for a "real" job.
There are certain portfolios that are all risk with no upside - Aviation is one of them.
There are no hospitals to open and babies to kiss.
There are no photo opportunities with large grant cheques being handed to smiling airport managers in front of cheering local residents.
There are no photo opportunities in front of newly delivered aircraft.
..All they get are endless complaints about aircraft noise and whining property developers who want the airfields.
Then there is the ever present risk of having to comment on, possibly even take responsibility for, a major accident.
Then of course there are the public servant types who regard postings away from Canberra - away from the Minister and nearer their supposed "Customers" - the aviation industry, as a demotion.