The federal election would most likely be held in September or October, Treasurer Peter Costello said.

"It looks like we're going back to parliament in August so what that means is September, October I guess," Mr Costello said on Radio 2UE when asked about the timing of the election.

Mr Costello said it was possible the election would be held before the US presidential poll on November 2, which falls on Melbourne Cup day.

http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/22/1090089250213.html