I've never believed in lower wages. Never. Never believed in lower wages, I've never believed in lower wages as an economic instrument.

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.

I have absolutely no difficulty myself with the playing of God Save the Queen in the presence of Her Majesty.

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.

I'm all for it. In these days, regional marketing is the only way to survive.

There is a very special place in the Australian psyche for sport. It is one of the pillars of the Australian way of life. You don't really understand what makes the Australian nation tick unless you understand the great affection Australians have for sport.