Elected by the people of Australia to bring back a ‘fair go’.
Proud that Australia was kept from global economic recession; proud people kept in work; work choices gone; national infrastructure built – especially the national broadband network; the education revolution; trades training centers; new libraries in schools; nationwide early childhood education; national curriculum; 50,000 new university places; reform of health system – the national health network; 20 regional cancer centrers (struggling emotionally while he speaks of the higher death rates of regional cancer sufferers; national organ transplant authority; (struggling to speak) borrowed someone else’s aortic valve pleased that organ donation rate is starting to rise; decency restored to aged pension; paid parental leave; advances for the homeless on track for 50% reduction and 20,000 additional places built; ratified Kyoto protocol and boosted renewable energy target to 20%; effort to pass carbon reduction scheme though this has not come to pass; Murray Basin authority in place; Australia has a place in the G20; scholarships for indiginous children to attend schools – 50,000 additional jobs for indiginous workers; greeted stolen generations and made them welcome throughout the apology;
Less proud of his tears through the second half of the speech.
Hoped to demonstrate that this has been a very busy two and half years. He has thrown his absolute all at this. When looked back upon these reforms will endure and will have made Australia a fairer place than it otherwise would have been.
Thanked Australian people; Australian Labor Party (affirmed ongoing membership of Labor Party); Members of the Parliamentary Labor Party; Members of the Ministry and Cabinet – head and shoulders above their opposition counterparts – they have given every ounce toward reform; the people of his Griffith electorate; staff, including chief of staff and media liasons – each and every member of his staff; his electorate office staff; his family, mentioned each by name
Not the occasion for high statements of theology, but thanked the great God and creator of us all (him or her).
Affirmed support of, and desire for re-election of the Labor government.
Will serve in any manner he can.
Will recontest the next election.
Therese Rein says something that I didn’t catch. He affirms her and comments on the mystery that she married him. Affirms his children again.
“Having said that we’ve got to zip”, turned and walked back inside.
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