Western civilisation came to this country in 1788 and I'm proud of that...

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

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.

Well, Michael, we will be telling the people of Australia in good time before the next election exactly what they can expect from us. No surprises, no excuses. They will be our watch words going into the election and afterwards, should we form a government.

The media - and I'm not blaming them - obviously like to seize on the differences between people and, sure, there are some senior members of the government who are in a slightly different philosophical space to mine. But do not underestimate the substantial single-mindedness of this government.

I am not being negative, I am simply being factual when I say Kevin Rudd is the best friend the people smugglers have ever had

Look, good government doesn't look for excuses, good government gets on with the job.