Introduction to Tony Abbott's book launch for 'A Strong Australia'
28th November, 2012
It gives me great pleasure to introduce my friend and political partner, Tony Abbott, who launches his fourth book today.Tony and I were both senior Ministers in a good Australian government through the Howard era. It was a great era because it made Australia strong and pursued policies in the national interest.
Nurtured in that era, the pages of this book contain a collection of Tony's landmark speeches that chart a new course for Australia.
Over the past two years, Tony has redefined what it is to be an Opposition leader. He has been focused, unwavering and tenacious in prosecuting a bad government.
But this book gives great insight into what has been happening behind the headlines over that time. The hard work of setting our nation positive new priorities, and consistent and cohesive policies.
Positive messages from Oppositions often do not make the headlines but what leaps from these pages is the Coalition's positive plan for a strong and prosperous economy and a safe and secure Australia.
We've seen an example today. While Julia Gillard is focused on saving one job - her own - the Coalition is committed to creating one million jobs in our first five years of government... 2 million jobs over 10 years.
It's ambitious but it's also achievable. The Coalition will see Australia play to its strengths again and back local industries and families for a prosperous future.
Yes, we will end Labor's waste and get its high taxing, high debt monkey off the backs of business and bring to heel the cost of living pressures that hound Australian families.
But there's more to be done than just fixing Labor's mess.
The Coalition has a positive plan, and is led by a positive man. To delve deeper than the daily headlines, I commend this book to all Australians.
Athlete, scholar, author and soon Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, Tony Abbott.
[ENDS]
