Why did he become unpopular? Yes, antiincumbency is always an important factor. Here but, Howard couldn't even retain his seat, which is spectacularly rare, and suggests much more than just 'anti incumbency'
About the seat thing.
The demographics and geographical borders of the seat had changed sinced the last election, with a lot of his seat now falling into a Labor area.
Throw into that a highly respected female media personality as a Labor candidate, and it's going to be a success more often than not, regardless of the opponent.
But seriously, when are you going to give up anyway? It's downright embarrassing watching you continue to attempt to prove a point that is clearly and utterly incorrect.
With all due respect, I don't pretent to know much about your political system and I am respectful enough to see that even if I thought I did, it is highly likely that there are people from the relevant areas who would know a heck of a lot more about it than I would. So maybe, just maybe, I'd take in what was being told when I was incorrect in order to learn more about a different political system and the respect that a person may have within the relevant political arena and within that political landscape.
The further you argue the point, the more disrespectful you become of the notion of discussion. Forcing your viewpoints on others is not part of good discussion. Being able to listen, learn and discuss a point with relevant examples is.
PS. Sorry to the other posters who have attempted to enjoy the thread...