Prime Minister Julia Gillard has stared down those in her own party trying to damage her election chances by casting herself as prudent to question the cost to the Government of both paid parental leave and a rise in the age pension.
Both issues came before cabinet last year and were revealed by yet another damaging leak.
But Ms Gillard denied yesterday allegations she opposed the measures and considered them purely in political terms. She said she would not apologise for taking a rigorous approach to spending, adding it was absurd to suggest she opposed the initiatives because she did not voice immediate support.
As Ms Gillard made her case, the man she ousted, former prime minister Kevin Rudd, confirmed his nomination in the Brisbane seat of Griffith.
The Opposition seized on the leak as evidence of instability inside Labor's ranks but a senior Opposition frontbencher has triggered speculation that the Coalition is planning to tinker again with its proposed six-month paid parental leave scheme.
Damaging as the leaks are, Ms Gillard at least looks as though she's dodged a bullet in the guise of an election interest rate increase.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
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