Entering an election year is like coming home for the holiday season. It's full of hope and hijinks but also promises and pain. And like every family, each party has its quirks.
The Coalition is like a couple who have broken up but still live together because nobody wants to move out. The Liberal Party has a lot of soul searching to do, especially about its women problem, but is unlikely to do so any time soon. Meanwhile the Nationals will try to find common ground with their constituents amid concerns about inaction on climate change, water management and changing social values.
In 2019 voters face a frenetic campaign from Scott Morrison. The former marketing man, seen by many as less a leader and more a relief teacher, has already shown he plays politics fast and hard. Morrison will focus his message on the 'quiet Australians' who seem to be the silent majority 2.0.
Expect journalists and the Australian public to be exhausted by his announcements — notably an anticipated suite of tax cuts in the mini budget in April — and confused by his flip flopping on policy positions. After all, he is probably here for a good time, not a long time.
Malcolm Turnbull will remain an albatross for the government — his poorly explained demise a curse on their final (and very few) sitting weeks. Morrison has ruled out an early election in March but considering the difficult Parliament — without a majority in the Lower House — that they're due to return to in February, it will be interesting to see if he decides to resume it at all.
Labor is like a blended family — they have learnt from their past relationships and are now somewhat functional. In readying themselves to win government they have kept most disagreements behind closed caucus doors — aside from the occasional outburst of aspiration from Anthony Albanese.
Having retained the same leadership team for its five years in the wilderness, Labor must be proud of the disciplined front it has put up publicly. In light of Bill Shorten's relative unpopularity the party is likely to emphasise this team as part of its campaign strategy. In the lead up to the election the ALP will continue to release progressive policies, but nothing that will rock the boat, lest they leave themselves open to easy attacks from the Coalition.
"2019 will be the year of having a go