Pundits plough infertile ground

Pity the poor political pundits.

They're the ones who are supposed to turn the day's election campaign happenings into authoritative analyses of significant developments.

In this election, that's tougher than growing orchids on the Nullabor.

That's because, so far at least, not that much has happened.

The leaders have generally stayed on message as they pace themselves for a marathon.

Staying on message, as those clever backroom people who know how to win elections insist, is essential. No distractions, no surprises.

And so Malcolm Turnbull keeps promising jobs and growth. You only need apply the reverse test to see how banal this is. A prime minister promising fewer jobs and reduced growth would grab attention, but not many votes.

Bill Shorten, meanwhile, is putting people first. That's hardly revolutionary, though some might prefer koalas or, given recent events, dairy cows. That would be a misjudgment. Koalas and cows, however worthy, don't vote.

During the course of all this we've heard a lot about investing and spending.

It's important to understand the difference.

Our side invests, the other mob spends.

Investment creates jobs and growth. We got a good example on Monday when Turnbull promised almost $50 million for port and airport development in Eden Monaro, a seat that just happens to be highly marginal.

A "vital investment", the PM said. Others would call it spending and the rude might mention pork barrelling.

Shorten is promising rivers of gold for health and education, paid for by not lowering company tax. He garnishes this concoction with 10-year projections. Ten years? These mobs can barely be trusted for a 10-week projection. Investment in magic wands would be as credible.

Despite the best efforts of the clever backroom tacticians, there have been distractions - the return (yet again) of Pauline Hanson, the departure of Nova Peris, the police raids, Peter Dutton opening his mouth.

They make a change from jobs, growth and people, but - Dutton excepted - are hardly main game.

The regional dailies are perhaps saner about all this than the so-called quality papers of the capitals.

They don't ignore the election, but their coverage is usually brief and deep inside.

An exception is the Cairns Post which front-paged a poll it had commissioned which showed the LNP member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch was in a tight fight, but still just ahead of his Labor challenger Sharryn Howes.

But then if you're not going to splash your own poll, no-one will.