Tony Abbott goes retro...

Is it just me or have we gone back on a little bit of a time warp with Tony Abbott, the Liberal's new leader in arms?

First there was the announcement of his shadow front bench who seem to be a regurgitation of the Howard era.

He even justified his decision of MP Bronwyn Bishiop by saying "67 is the new 57", adding that she will feel right at home with the Senior's portfolio because "she will be one of them" (poor Bronwyn).

Then this morning he announces that Workchoices would be brought back if the Coalition win the next election.

One can already see the Unions ordering another print run on the "Your rights at work, worth fighting for" stickers which were plastered over every bus, backpack and walkway in Australia during the last election.

But the cream of the crop is his announcement on 4BC radio that he might increase Australia's commitment in Afghanistan. What the???

Isn't everyone trying to creep out of Afghanistan slowly... hoping no one will notice the retreat?

Is there some overarching, masterful strategy I'm not seeing?

Abbott takes the liberal leadership...

*New Liberal leader Tony Abbott enters presser with deputy Julie Bishop.

Tony Abbott today became leader of the Australian Liberal party.

It was a bit of a surprise for everybody, including Abbott himself who looked a little shell shocked as he emerged from the party room.

Twitter went wild, with both #spill and Tony Abbott becoming trending topics (the funny thing was noticing confused Americans tweeps going... "can someone please tell me what the heck #spill is?).

Anyways, our fine leader K.Rudd was off in Washington while all the drama happened so Julia Gillard (Abbott's old health portfolio political/flirting sparring partner) was left to welcome the new top dog.

But the question is will the chemistry between Abbott and Gillard continue... now the 'mad monk'/aka Abbott has taken control of the liberal abbey?

*Julia Gillard... bring it on baby... (note: to be fair this image is 2 months old, but appropriate I felt).