Honest Question - Why so much Labor / Gillard hate?

I come from a semi-outsider perspective. I am American/Australian and have lived in this country for 11 years. I am finding it very difficult to understand why there is so much hate for Gillard and her Labor Government. I understand if you disagree with her policies, I am talking about the lynch mob attitude that many people seem to have.

I understand she flip flopped on the Carbon tax. I honestly think that any politician would do this under the right circumstances. I understand that she could not get enough seats in the election so she had to form a minority government.

But why such violent hate?

Has our country been destroyed and there is anarchy? Is our economy failing like every other economy around the world? Are we completely doomed to failure?

No, actually we are doing amazingly and our outlook is excellent. But the above is what many people describe when they talk about labor, that getting labor out of power will basically "turn this country around".

I am just honestly wondering what is so bad about labor's policies and what would be better under a liberal or other government. If I got anything wrong I am happy to admit it and I apologize in advance.