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The Howard government’s response to the earthquake and tsunami has been generous and responsive. There are nits to pick (Where are the details? Mention the UN!), but on the whole the response is something Australians are proud of. Our regional neighbours find our response an encouraging change after a period of Australian arrogance and foreign policy gaffs.

In the face of a generous and well coordinated response it’s easy to see why the Labor party can’t get much airtime. Government announcements of assistance aren’t news stories that require a balance interview. The only opportunity to increase political capital is to support the government’s actions, offer comfort to those affected and provide new insight into methods of assistance. Letters to the editor complain about a lack of Labor party visibility. Half-hearted interviews with Kevin Rudd are treated as a distraction by voters. It’s a hard time to be called “The Opposition.”

Another possible reason for a lack of participation have emerged. This is not good news.

Opposition Leader Mark Latham is suffering from a repeat attack of acute pancreatitis and has been confined to his bed on doctor’s orders.

Doctors are performing tests to try to find the cause of the latest attack.

Mr Latham suffered from pancreatitis last August, shortly before the federal election campaign started.

On that occasion, he was treated for the painful condition in hospital.

Acting Labor leader Chris Evans is expected to make a statement about Mr Latham’s condition today.