An interesting observation was made today when Labor Leader Kim Beazley couldn’t remember the name of a Labor Senate colleague.

While being interviewed on South Australian ABC Radio, Mr Beazley was unable to recall the name of a South Australian Labor Senator, Anne McEwen.

Prancing around the country of late, expecting Coalition Cabinet Ministers to have instant recall of cables they may not have seen - in areas that may not even be their responsibility, it seems Mr Beazley has experienced a small brain explosion of his own.

Tearing around the farm shoring up his political herd, Mr Beazley may have become oblivious to the names of his closest colleagues. But surely this is not the same man who expects Mr Vaile and Mr Downer to recall a one page cable from 5 or 6 years ago? Is it?