EITHER way, 2004 will prove a watershed year for the Bracks Government.
It will be a year that the government transforms talk to action, finally putting flesh on the skeleton of its promises. Or it will be a year that the government will be exposed for its failure to follow through on its promises.
Either way, in 2004 Victorians will learn if they have a "can do" government.
In the next 12 months comes the government's biggest financial test as three huge revenue sources become less certain.
The property slowdown caused by rising interest rates is likely to dramatically decrease stamp duty revenue. Pokies revenue is going south following socially inspired regulation. And the controversy about speed cameras may force the government to reappraise its reliance on that
stream of money.
Politics aside, Victoria is fortunate to have a treasurer of the calibre of John Brumby to steady the ship as we enter these turbulent waters. Mr Brumby has given his government significant street cred with the top end of town - and his input will be critical to the government's fortunes in the coming year.
To date, the government has been afforded the benefit of the doubt about its ability to deliver on big ticket items. After all, a vision for the state had to be outlined and then "sold" to Victorians. But it has had enough time to do this - and even some of the government's own backbenchers and supporters are now itching for Mr Bracks to pick up the bat in Ponting
style.
Primarily for us, the fast train project must move beyond the cheesy picture opportunity 18 months ago of the Premier "starting" works, to the realisation of this region's dream to cut travel to and from Melbourne.
Seeing is believing.
There are many other challenges on many other fronts.
The Bracks Government has shown innovation in regard to water conservation in the home. But more needs to be done as the continuing effects of the drought clearly show.
The 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games will require huge capital expenditure and planning. Then add the need to build and maintain roads, improve the rail network, tend to our public hospitals ... and it is apparent 2004 will be challenging in more ways than one.
Regionally, the Bracks Government must avoid at all costs becoming complacent about the contribution that non-metropolitan areas make to the state's prosperity.
Infatuated by its new country support, the government initially heaped attention on us. This has subsided - but our advocacy for a fair go in the regions has not.
Given this, and all else before it, the government will need to show leadership, rigour and imagination as it seeks to rule for the greater good, and at the same time to do what is politically palatable.
We wish it well for the sake of Victoria.