The article 'Howard family package delayed' talks about John Howard's work and family policy, one of the centerpieces of the Howard Government's third term agenda. This work and family policy also includes the highly charged debate about the paid maternity leave issue. There has been little progress on delivery of the promised reforms for two main reasons.
             One reason is the strategists behind the Liberal party are concerned with the timing of such an important reform being released. Currently, it would be in direct competition to the Iraq issues, which dominate the domestic and international political scene.
             Secondly, and possibly more significant is the inability of the Liberal ministers to reach agreement on this reform. Several of the high profile ministers have made public their views on the paid maternity leave issue and they are obviously far from consensus of opinion.
             Pru Goward, the Sex discrimination Commissioner has been actively running a strong campaign on this issue and has at least kept some media attention on this important family reform.
             The opposition is publicly stating their position of support for the scheme. The question remains can the Government reach agreement and can they find the money to fund this reform.
             I can see the strategist's angle on the release of this policy, as in reality politics is a game of strategy. Obviously, release of this reform would be significant to the voting population. It would not be in the interests of the Liberal Party's profile to waste such a golden opportunity to win votes. It will probably be resolved and timed for the period closer to the next re-election campaign.
             It appears to me that the real issue is the differences of opinion particularly between Howard and Costello. Costello, as the Treasurer, has concern about the financial ability of the Government to pay for this reform. This is especially relevant due to the increased spend...