One of pop music buff Anthony Albanese’s favourite songs is The Triffids hit, Wide Open Road. “It’s one of the great Australian songs,” the prime minister told the ABC, and “a road song for long trips”.

Two months short of the electoral cycle’s half-way mark, Albanese may reckon he’s on a long political road trip, but the potholes and blind bends are increasing. He could ponder the wisdom of the Rolling Stones’ Time Waits for No One (And it won’t wait for me), featuring Mick Taylor’s mesmerising guitar riff.