The Coalition and industrial relations in 2013 and beyond

It is unusual for oppositions to be virtually certain of attaining national government six or more months ahead of a parliamentary election. The Tony Blair Labour Party opposition found itself in this happy position before the May 1997 general election. The Liberal Party and National Party Coalition led by Opposition Leader Mr Tony Abbott, may also be in this challenging place. The Coalition may be a government in waiting but must craft its policies with two purposes in mind. It would not wish to raise issues which would make it vulnerable to a government attack in the election campaign. However, in government it would not want to unduly raise the expectations of its supporters by promising more than a government may be able to deliver, especially in its first term.