All my life I've believed that men and women have equal capacities and talents...consequently there should be equality in life's chances.

Those of you who have spent time with Australians know that we are not given to overstatement. By nature we are laconic speakers and by conviction we are realistic thinkers.

If we change the way the electricity sector operates, we can bring down our levels of carbon pollution, and continue the crucial task of tackling climate change. Putting a price on carbon would do this.

In the quest for comparative advantage, investment will flow towards those countries that can offer more output for fewer emissions. Inaction will cost jobs. Action will support jobs.

Our future growth relies on competitiveness and innovation, skills and productivity... and these in turn rely on the education of our people.

If you complain, you’re ‘playing the victim’; if you don’t complain, you are a victim.

Through hard work and education, we can deliver a strong economy and opportunity for all.