Another big problem with any Australian emissions reduction scheme is that it would not make a material difference to atmospheric carbon concentrations unless the big international polluters had similar schemes.

I think that people should come to Australia through the front door, not through the back door. If people want a migration outcome, they should go through the migration channels.

I'm not saying that people on welfare don't contribute in their own way, but as many as possible should be encouraged to be economically active as well as socially and culturally active.

I was a very senior minister in the Howard government and I sat around this particular table [in the prime ministerial office] in many discussions. The difference between being a senior minister and the prime minister is that ultimately the buck does stop with the prime minister and in the end the prime minister has to make those critical judgement calls and that's the big difference.

I do enjoy exercise, not because I am an exercise junkie but because it's terrific stress release.

There will be no overall increase in the tax burden whatsoever.

Today, we have got more excuses from the government.