The 2004 Australian Federal Election was held on Saturday 9 October 2004 and it was the Howard Government’s opportunity to secure its 4th term of government after a tumultuous period in office. The Government consisting of the coalition Liberal Party and National Party headed by John Howard and John Anderson respectively were opposed by Mark Latham and the Labor Party. The issues that defined the election were The Iraq War, Australia’s economy, and the state of Australia’s social services