An Australian story - from fading uncle to economic success

In the economic domain we must strive for efficiency and flexibility, with taxes as low as possible and as simple as possible, with regulation limited to where it is strictly necessary, with welfare as a safety net not a feather bed. We must ensure that Australian workers are skilled and educated enough to adapt to new circumstances and if necessary change jobs.

We must aim to lift those that remain marginalised or living in poverty or suffering health problems or disabilities. We must lift those Australians so that they too can enjoy the wonderful opportunities that most Australians take for granted.

We must look at how to improve opportunities for women, create the most female-friendly environment in the world.

Our natural environment needs to be nurtured and sustained, and our dry continent needs solutions to our water shortage problems.

Our defence forces need to be well equipped, our health system needs to meet best international practices.

We have many, many issues to address.

Our future in Australia will be a positive one and an exciting one if we can continue to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances.

I came into parliament with my priorities as helping families, helping the unemployed, and getting small business back to prosperity. My values were shaped as a youngster in a modest suburb - by my parents, family, school, church - it was a million miles away from fiscal policy and tax law and international finance.

But the simple principles are the most important, and even when dealing with the most complex and large issues I keep coming back to them - living within your means, working hard, being careful and not squandering your money.

Not bad principles for a youngster, and not bad principles for an economy.