So, the battle lines are now being drawn. In a single week nay, two single days a picture has emerged of how the next federal election might be fought.
Although the arguments are about immigration and Senate obstructionism, it's all about the economy in the end, and (as usual) each side needing to portray the other lot as irresponsible.
The Opposition's hand has been revealed by the tragic incident at sea off Ashmore Reef.
Despite the deep uncertainty among some in the Coalition, it's decided to run on border protection again, and run hard.
In times of economic trouble, the Coalition believes there's every chance ordinary Australian folks will become less amenable to comers from elsewhere and more demanding of governments to do something about them.
Back in August, 2001, then prime minister John Howard seized the political opportunity which came over the horizon in the shape of a wooden fishing boat and a Norwegian freighter and ran a highly successful border-protection campaign which took him all the way to that year's election and beyond.
This week's fatal offshore explosion on yet another fishing boat has provided the chance for the now Opposition to try to do the same. At first it almost seemed accidental. Shadow immigration minister Sharman Stone went further than she apparently intended during an interview on Sky News on Thursday, accusing the Government of cutting back spending on border protection.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times