When the term Christian or even Protestant is used, it seldom refers to any particularly evangelical doctrine or way of life. More often it refers to a religion accepted by the large majority, which assures them that God is not so much a Lord who demands obedience as a handyman who is available whenever we need help.

Nobody should claim that the war [in Iraq] is over. But certainly it can be said that the regime is finished.

Sport is an important part of the Australian psyche. Anybody who thinks that sport is not part of the fabric of Australian life misunderstands this country quite dramatically.

It's too much to expect in an academic setting that we should all agree, but it is not too much to expect discipline and unvarying civility.

Of all the important relationships that Australia has with other countries, none has been more greatly transformed over the last 10 years than our relationship with China.

How can you render the duties of justice to men when they may destroy you?

It's beyond belief that any Australian could be so stupid as to carry drugs into any country in Asia.