One of the more interesting, if minor, storylines from the 2006 federal election was the tale of Stephen Harper's Aussie advisor. But with Harper's old friend John Howard looking to add a fifth election victory some time before the new year, it seems that advice may now be flowing the other way. From Melbourne's The Age:

Mr. Howard nominated five goals for a fifth term: to keep Australia strong, secure and united; build a new era of growth; reshape federalism; "ensure a rising tide of prosperity lifts all boats, with every child getting a solid start in life"; and to take "balanced" action on climate change, energy and water.

Compare those to our Harper's most recent iteration of his five priorities for government announced last week:

Defending Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic; keeping the economy strong and taxes low; tackling crime; protecting the environment; and strengthening the federation at home and abroad.

Of course, Harper's priorities have proven at least somewhat malleable. So a warning to The Tyee's huge cadre of Down Under readers: if "balanced action on climate change" morphs into "longer, stronger dingo fence" after the election, don't blame us.