Costello hints at his agenda...

Interesting to see the future PM Costello openly on display on Nine's 'Sunday' program. He was clear in articulating a reform agenda which he would pursue as the Prime Minister. I enjoyed seeing Costello emerge from Howard's shadows for such a frank discussion about Australia's future.

Costello's points on the commonwealth taking complete control of the economy ring true to me. In an increasingly competitive environment, Australia needs to improve its efficiency and ability to compete - at present there is red tape at the state level in areas such as ports, transport and other areas. This barrier to trade and economic growth would be removed by creating national regulation controlled by the Commonwealth.

I agree also with Costello's assertion that the blame game has to stop - if full control of education and health is handed to the states (but under a federal framework, where states have obligations to meet in accordance to national policy) and the ability to blame the federal parliament for state problems, states are forced to keep themselves honest. Beattie would no longer have any ability to blame the Commonwealth for his self-inflicted health problems, and voters would know who to hold responsible.

Costello needs to work on continuing to set a future agenda, letting Australians know that there will be no lag in progress once Howard passes the baton after the next election.