Changes

The resignation of Santo Santoro as Minister of Ageing following his public admission to share trading in breach of Howard's Ministerial Code of Conduct has resulted in adverse publicity to Howard. The week prior to the resignation Howard had publicly supported the former Minister when he had admitted to one breach of the code. Santoro admitted a week later that he had committed a further 72 breaches which resulted in the withdrawal of support from the Prime Minister. Bob Quinn, the former leader of the opposition in the Queensland State Parliament is the current front-runner for the Senate seat vacated by the sudden resignation of Mr Santoro.  

The resignation of Santo Santoro as Minister of Ageing following his public admission to share trading in breach of Howard's Ministerial Code of Conduct has resulted in adverse publicity to Howard. The week prior to the resignation Howard had publicly supported the former Minister when he had admitted to one breach of the code. Santoro admitted a week later that he had committed a further 72 breaches which resulted in the withdrawal of support from the Prime Minister. Bob Quinn, the former leader of the opposition in the Queensland State Parliament is the current front-runner for the Senate seat vacated by the sudden resignation of Mr Santoro.  

The prolonged detainment of [[David Hicks]] at Guantanamo Bay continues to be a political issue for Howard, even after Hicks' return to Australia. In addition, new controversies have erupted regarding the Government's handling of cases involving potential terrorism suspects. The Government's treatment of Gold Coast doctor Mohammed Haneef has been condemned by civil rights activists and prominent members of the legal fraternity, including Lex Lasry, QC, and Julian Burnside, QC.

The prosecution of [[David Hicks]] at Guantanamo Bay continues to be a political issue for Howard.  

The popularity of Howard has been at an all-time low since the ascension of [[Kevin Rudd]] to the leadership of the Opposition. Throughout 2007, there has been a slight decrease in the margin of popularity between the two leaders, but commentators have suggested that this has been negligible. A legislative election must be called before the end of 2007.

The popularity of Howard has been at an all-time low since the opposition has been headed by [[Kevin Rudd]] although it seems as 2007 progresses this gap in the polls has lessened. A general election must be called before the end of 2007.

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