They might be a good friend, but they are also a bitter commercial rival. Let's not kid ourselves.. The American wheat industry has done everything it possibly can to criticize the Australian wheat industry in order to take the Iraqi wheat market from us.

This 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.

I accept that in a free society you have to justify reductions in people's liberties. I accept that, bearing in mind my starting point is that the most important human right is the right to life.

We won't just automatically click our heels and follow the Americans.

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

I'd like to be seen as an average Australian bloke. I can't think of... I can't think of a nobler description of anybody than to be called an average Australian bloke.

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