The 'black armband' view of our history reflects a belief that most Australian history since 1788 has been little more than a disgraceful story of imperialism, exploitation, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. I take a very different view. I believe that the balance sheet of our history is one of heroic achievement and that we have achieved much more as a nation of which we can be proud of than which we should be ashamed.
John HowardI'm not running away from the fact that I had previously said I did not contemplate a major increase, and that was a fair statement of the Government's state of mind at the time I made that.
John HowardIf I am wrong and you are right then the democratic process of the Australian community will vindicate you and condemn me.
John HowardI accept that climate change is a challenge, I accept the broad theory about global warming. I am sceptical about a lot of the more gloomy predictions.
John HowardThis is appalling. The idea that a person could be punished because of their religious belief and the idea they might be executed is just beyond belief.
John Howard