The lesson of the Federation should be that the lesson is over. Australia must have a new idea of itself. We have to strike out in a new direction, in a new way, armed with our own self-regard, our own confidence and fully appreciating our own uniqueness. All other roads will lead us into the shadow of great powers.

I think the Australian people are very conscientious. During the 1980s and 1990s we proved they will respond conscientiously to necessary reforms. They mightn't like them but they'll accept them. But reforms have to be presented in a digestible format.

When the Berlin Wall came down the Americans cried, 'Victory,' and walked off the field.

I think leadership's always been about two main things: imagination and courage.

If you are sitting on the title of any block of land in New South Wales you can bet an Aboriginal person at some stage was dispossessed of it.

Politicians come in three varieties: straight men, fixers, and maddies.

One tires of combat, although I can still throw a punch, you know.