Rudd returns as election date looms

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd makes a surprise pre-election visit to Australian troops serving in Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan province southern Afghanistan. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Limited

KEVIN Rudd will fly back into Australia tonight amid strong signs the election will be in late-September and not late August.

The Prime Minister has a politically fraught week ahead of him and this is expected to dissuade him from asking Governor-general Quentin Bryce to approve an August 31 election tomorrow, which would be the latest possible time to ask for that day.

And Mr Rudd believes he has more policy work to do before testing opinion poll findings showing a strong renewal of Labor's vote.

This could test the patience of some groups of voters but the Prime Minister does not want to be rushed.

But first he has to negotiate the week ahead.

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) today will deliver four reports on corruption allegations involving figures who have been prominent in the ALP.

The reports on Wednesday and Thursday will revive damaging criticism of Labor mismanagement, although Mr Rudd has positioned himself as the voice of party reform active against abuse of political power.

However, the revived debate would rob Mr Rudd of at least two days' worth of momentum should he call the election on Monday.

The Government is expected to this week release its economic statement, which will in effect be a mini-Budget aimed at explaining how, despite falling revenues, Labor intends to achieve a surplus by 2016-17.

That explanation could include politically sensitive proposals for cuts to spending.

Mr Rudd and wife Therese Rein flew to Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan to visit the base where 1500 Australian troops continue to serve until most are sent home by next year.

The Prime Minister spent four hours at the base talking to Diggers.

Cabinet will meet in Canberra tomorrow and it is certain the election date will be discussed by senior ministers.

If the election is held before September 14 the Government will have to formally dump the referendum of constitutional recognition of local government.

September 14 is the earliest date that a referendum could be held.

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