In the era of mobile phones and emails, you're no more out of the loop in China than you are in Sydney.

I think there is no doubt that the advent of 24/7 news channels, which are voracious in their demand for constant new content, has accelerated the political process. The rise of social media, in addition to talkback, I think has intensified the political process.

I am in favour of the notion of Australia as an immigrant society

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.

We just can’t stop people from being homeless if that’s their choice.

I was pointing out the depth of the friendship between Australia and Indonesia and the fact that Australia has been there for Indonesia when Indonesia has been in difficulty.

The only party which is going to increase taxes after the election is the Labor Party.