14:15 - John Howard, accompanied by his wife Janette, has entered the room to whoops, cheers and a standing ovation (compare his entrance to Rudd's here). However, Treasurer Peter Costello seems less enthusiastic (click the video tab to watch his reaction). With his voice occassionally cracking, Mr Howard says the election is about Australia's future and has outlined why he believes he should be returned as Prime Minister. Mr Howard states his intention to tranform the country from a "welfare state to an opportunity society". Howard highlights jobs and education as priorities for his government and says he will continue to fight against the scourge of illicit drugs.
Howard says he wishes to create "a lasting recognition in our Constitution of the first Australians, the Indigenous people of this country", and states his desire for Aboriginal people to share in the bounties of the country by becoming part of mainstream Australian society.
The Prime Minister has outlined the expected pledge in regard to child carers by announcing a carer rebate which will result in over 500,000 families be able to claim the benefit from 1 April 2008. Howard also announced money to create more child care places and a scheme to assist first home owners by creating tax free home savings accounts for children.
Contributions of up $1,000 to the accounts will be tax deductibe under the plan and all earnings and interest will be completely tax free. Under the scheme, account holders would be able to withdraw funds from the account for the purchase of their first home once they turn the age of 18. Howard also announces a shared equity arrangement allowing family members to share the cost of first home ownership.
The PM announces tax rebates for education expenses, including school fees, of up to $400 per child for kindergarten and primary school students, and up to $800 per child for secondary school students.
Howard says it has been an incredible privilege to be Prime Minister of the greatest country in the world but says there is still much to do. He signs off by asking for the support necessary on 24 November to allow him to continue the job.
14:00 - Deputy PM and Nationals Leader Mark Vaile has taken the stage at the Coalition's Campaign Launch. Mr Vaile has focussed on building skills for Australia's future saying the ALP's promised "education revolution" belonged in a Communist country. Mr Vaile also launched a plan to encourage faster uptake of bio-fuels.
13:30 - Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has kicked off the Coalition's official Campaign launch by introducing John Howard's front bench to raptuous applause from the faithful. Peter Costello was the first Government minister to speak, firing up the crowd with a speech underlining the Government's economic achievements and criticising the ALP's lack of experience. Mr Costello urged the crowd not to underestimate Labor'c capability to "muck up" the economy.
10:00 - John Howard will launch the Coalition's official campaign in Brisbane this afternoon.
The launch is expected to focus on the economy and cost-of-living pressures, including housing affordability and education costs.
The announcement kicks off at 12:30pm, Brisbane local time.
Read David MacCormack's take on the announcement here.
Charles Richardson weighs in here.
Find out what Crikey's Cabbie Panel reckons about the announcements here.
And compare the Coalition's launch to the day's other biggie by the RBA, which you'll find here.
Please wait while the video player loads...