This is a rare election in that we already know the result. No one on either side of the political fence believes Labor can win. There are increasingly few who believe it will be anything but a Liberal landslide of historical proportions.

It would seem natural in those circumstances for debate to centre only on what a new coalition government will do to solve problems like roads and transport.

Instead, Barry O'Farrell has managed to keep the spotlight on the death throes of the government, with the electricity sell-off inquiry providing the stage for the final act.

This suits O'Farrell. After all, his current transport policy doesn't extend past four pages, with a commitment to keep building the south-west rail line and bring forward the north-west line.

A Liberal insider said O'Farrell was walking a "tight-rope" of trickling out just enough policy while remaining a small target whose main asset is not being Labor.

It's a smart strategy and one that could help pinch a few extra safe Labor seats.

Last week O'Farrell became impatient with journalists asking for an idea of when coalition policy would be released. Maybe there's plenty of detailed stuff to come after Australia Day.

Voters - most of whom are already sitting on the bandwagon for change - deserve to know what changes they are backing.

On Friday the Opposition confirmed after much speculation that it will scrap about $7 billion worth of transport infrastructure promises made by Labor.

Shadow treasurer Mike Baird announced the new government would not build the $4.5 billion Western Express and City Relief Line or the $2.6 billion Parramatta to Epping Rail Link.

It's fine to announce things you won't do but voters need time to look at a detailed plan of what a coalition government would do, hopefully in an integrated, multi-agency approach.

There are many missing links in Sydney's transport network that lead people into the daily traffic jams that have become the norm.

Will the coalition build the M4 East? Duplicate the M5? Toll cars in the city? Alter streets to increase bus flow? Extend light rail to the eastern beaches and further west?

The extra seats won by staying a small target up until election day will count for little if March comes around and we're all still sitting in traffic wondering what's changed.

The coalition must realise it is no longer the opposition and start acting like a transitional government - open, accountable and comfortable with scrutiny.

Sydney public transport | Traffic horror looms

elsewhere in gotham city .....

Former premier Bob Carr had a simple electoral rule: don't let the Liberals outflank us on law and order. Thus the police received Glocks, Tasers, helicopters, a water cannon and much more.

Today police enjoy shift arrangements, flexitime, overtime, sick pay, injury allowances and pensions which are enough to make the average teacher, nurse, fireman, "ambo" and bus and train driver weep.

Their overtime bill last year was $35 million, or 3.3 per cent of the annual wages bill, and more than 4000 officers each logged up 340 hours of annual leave.

The force has an authorised strength of 12,300 officers, but more than 2000 are not at work because they are on sick leave, holidays or restricted duties.

The force's liability for partial and permanent incapacity claims has grown by more than $100 million in the past four years, a rise of 118 per cent, while the number of claims paid out increased by 315 per cent.

M'learned friends at the industrial bar have a legal term for this activity - a rort.

The lobbying of the Police Association is up there with the Australian Hotels Association, the Urban Taskforce (the developers' trade union), the Law Society and broadcaster Alan Jones.

I cannot recall a single instance in the past 10 years when a government minister or backbencher from Labor or the Coalition has criticised the police. Because they can do no wrong and have an immunity from criticism, a minority element treat politicians, Parliament and ultimately the public with a kind of contempt.

There were more than 5000 complaints against the police last year, according to the NSW Ombudsman, an average of about 14 a day, and 95 officers were charged with 300 offences, including assault, drink-driving, child pornography and drug-related crimes.

The tragic lesson of Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia is that police misconduct and corruption flourish under rudderless governments.

NSW Government | Politicians still dancing to the blue light disco