Julia Gilliard ended the parliamentary year relieved to have survived, but clearly aware that mere political survival will not be enough in 2011.  Voters want more from their Prime Minister than boasts about sustaining a minority government.

She is confident. During Monday's brief House of Representatives sitting an Opposition heckler called out to Gillard : "How are you going in Victoria?" The Prime Minister replied: "How are you going here?"

She could be entitled to a little cockiness. Cementing the backing of the cross-benchers was an achievement. The Government is keen to let people know that it has passed 54 pieces of legislation since the minority administration was formed.

The danger of that is that voters will see the Government measuring success in a way which doesn't involve their interests. They want achievements which are measured by improvements to their personal condition and the nation's future.

They don't want Labor to think that self preservation is the only important objective.

That's why Gillard has pointed to next year as the time for big policy moves, in particular
on climate change, Labor's big policy disappointment.

Parliament will come back on February 8, relatively late. The start has been delayed to allowed MPs to see their children off on the school year. By then, she had better be able to show the Government has learned a few policy lessons.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott might be having similar ambitions after a year in which he established he can puncture a government's ambitions. But Abbott also has to show he can prosecute a yes case, be positive on what a Coalition administration could deliver.

Gillard's Early New Year Resolution