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Kevin Rudd’s Opening Address to the 2020 Summit
This is the text of Kevin Rudd’s Address Opening the 2020 Summit in Canberra.
Australians one, Australians all.
I too begin by acknowledging the first peoples of our nation.
Just as I welcome all of you to this, the nation’s capital, to this, the nation’s Parliament.
To this, the great meeting place of our common democracy, Australia.
The place from which we your elected representatives seek to navigate our nation’s future.
Today we are trying to do something new.
Today we are throwing open the windows of our democracy, to let a little bit of fresh air in.
Rather than pretending that we the politicians of Australia have all the answers, and the truth is, we don’t, we are turning now to you, the people of Australia.
FULL REPORT
Interest Rates Up Again
The Reserve Bank of Australia today increased interest rates by a further 0.25%.
The increase takes the cash rate to 7.25%.
It is the second consecutive increase this year. Interest rates are now at a 12-year high.
Listen to Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan discuss the increase at a press conference this afternoon:
FULL REPORTFidel Castro Does What John Howard Couldn’t!
Cuba’s President Fidel Castro has announced his resignation, after 48 years in power.
The Communist Party leader issued an extraordinary statement on the website of the party’s newspaper, Granma.
Message from the Commander in Chief
Dear compatriots:
Last Friday, February 15, I promised you that in my next reflection I would deal with an issue of interest to many compatriots. Thus, this now is rather a message.
FULL REPORT
“Partially Treated Sewage Sandwich” From Julie Bishop
The Federal Opposition’s Julie Bishop has given an extraordinary press conference in which she attempted to justify the coalition’s decision not to to oppose the government’s legislation abolishing WorkChoices.
Listen to Julie Bishop’s press conference:
Rudd Government Faces First Question Time
The Rudd Government has faced its first Question Time in the new Parliament.
Listen to Question Time:
The Opposition Leader’s first question was about petrol and food prices. It required a Dorothy Dixer from the government’s backbench for the stolen generations apology to be raised.
Julia Gillard delivered the most assured and polished performance, emphasising the government’s mandate on industrial relations when asked about the legislation introduced today to dismantle the Howard government’s WorkChoices.
FULL REPORT