Now, I know that there are some Aboriginal people who aren’t happy with Australia Day. For them it remains Invasion Day. I think a better view is the view of Noel Pearson, who has said that Aboriginal people have much to celebrate in this country’s British Heritage.

The measure in the budget in relation to parental leave pay is based on a simple proposition. Most women across Australia have access to one scheme funded by the taxpayer. Some women have access to two schemes and that's great.

I feel a little uncomfortable at being asked the sorts of questions that other Catholics in public life tend not to be asked.

I try to treat people as people and not put them in pigeonholes.

No one, however smart, however well-educated, however experienced, is the suppository of all wisdom.

My commitment to the forgotten families of Australia is to ease your cost of living pressure

To be sociable, I puffed on a marijuana cigarette, but I didn't inhale...I just hate the idea of drawing smoke into my lungs.