Australian government targets security in election bid

Australian Prime Minister John Howard officially launched his government's campaign on Sunday for an October 9 election with billion-dollar promises to woo voters and a defiant stand against terror.
Howard, whose eight-year-old Liberal/National coalition government is vying for a fourth straight term in office, focused on security during an hour-long speech to hundreds of supporters in the northern city of Brisbane.
He said the war on terror would be long and difficult and reinforced a vow to leave Australia's 850 troops in and around Iraq for as long as necessary. Opposition Labour leader Mark Latham wants the troops home by Christmas.
"Whether popular or not I will never hesitate to do whatever is right and necessary to protect Australia and the Australian people against the threat of terrorism," said Howard, whose conservative government leads centre-left Labour in opinion polls.
"Terrorism has cast a dark cloud over the world, but it is a challenge ... best repulsed by us being determined to live the lives of a free and democratic society," he said.
Security analysts have said the rift between the major parties over the US-led Iraq war has left Australia vulnerable to an attack similar to the Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people three days before Spain's March 11 elections.
This month, Australia's embassy in Indonesia was targeted by militants with a car bomb that killed nine people and wounded more than 180.
Outside the campaign launch, a small but noisy group of people protested against Australia's involvement in Iraq, shouting "Troops out, Howard out".
Howard said the cornerstone of Australia's national security was the country's defence alliance with close ally the United States, but added the government would continue to build and strengthen partnerships in Southeast Asia.
Australia's election has attracted international attention because it precedes two others also likely to be fought largely on security and the war in Iraq - the US presidential vote on November 2 and a British election expected in May or June.
Greeted with a standing ovation and cheers from supporters waving flags and placards reading "A stronger economy, A strong Australia", Howard sought to cast doubt on Labour's ability to manage Australia's robust economy.