An update. In an interview on the SBS insight program John Howard said the navy had NEVER corrected the record, and that he therefore continued to act on advice that the event occurred. This is a scandal in itself for the navy.

In a second interview after the second Shackleton statement, Howard muddied the waters, saying the navy HAD advised of the incident. When it was pointed out that “defence” had advised the government, he claimed that was hair-splitting, because “the navy is part of defence”.

Howard was not asked about Reith’s claims about the video or the release of the false photos. He refused to withdraw his slur against the character of the boat people, or to admit that the alleged events did not take place. Beazley has called Reith a liar and promised a full inquiry.

In my view, today’s scandal will help John Howard in the poll. You’ll see from the ads in the papers tomorrow he wants to run home on boat people. This gives him what he wants. Voters who support his policy do not want to change their mind, and they won’t. They need the government’s credibility to stay intact in their minds, because they don’t want to reexamine their position on the issue. The interests of Howard and the blue collar support he’s attracting are as one on this matter.

I’m going home. I’m told Howard will appear on Lateline tonight.