The view from down under - clearing up after Labor's long party : lifestyle

In Australia, the Coalition - the Liberal party supported by the National party - was returned to government at a general election on September 7, ending a tumultuous six years of Labor rule. This election outcome was a decisive win for the Coalition; subject to the final tally, 89 seats to the Coalition, 56 seats to Labor and 5 to other minor parties - but fell short of the wipe-out that some observers had predicted. Tony Abbott is Australia's new Prime Minister, the fifth incumbent of this high office in six years.