Australian current Prime Minister John Howard confirmed his determination of staying the leader of the next round of legislative elections in seeking 5th term, saying that he would fight "with all the right people in all the right positions".

He also asserted that he had personally let Treasurer Peter Costello know of his decision: "Peter is very supportive. He said he was holding a press conference in Melbourne to indicate that". "Can I say that Peter Costello has made a wonderful contribution to the Government and it's crucial to our prospects at the next election that he continue not only as deputy leader but also as treasurer, where his work has been so important to our efforts over the past 10 years", he added.

Even though he insisted on reasserting his commitment to continuing as Liberal leader with "enthusiasm and vigor", Howard has not made any reference with regard to the exact period of time he would stay in the Prime Minister office should he be re-elected for fifth term, limiting his assessment to "as long as my colleagues want me to". When reporters insisted on the long-term leadership idea, Howard replied cautiously: "Let us get to the election. I'm not giving any undertakings beyond what I have previously said and that is that I'll continue to serve as leader of the Liberal Party for so long as my party wants me to".

"The Government faces quite a task winning the next election - some people will find that hard to believe, I don't. Australian politics always produces competitive contests federally and the next election will be no exception. We need the best people in the right places and the party has said very clearly it wants me where I am and Peter Costello where he is and I know they will be very, very pleased indeed if that continues to be the case", he stated while describing his current standpoint on the ever changing Australian political scene.

The optimism of the political statement Howard made during his visit to the victims of the widespread damage category five Cyclone Larry caused late March, could also be noticed in the fact that Howard denied he was ultimately risking his reputation by going into the elections amid rising fuel prices and industrial relations laws that continue to cause avid concerns among the Australian lawmakers.