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Tony Abbott Addresses World Economic Forum In Davos

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Abbott

Abbott began his speech with an overview of world economic conditions and the prospects for growth. He reiterated his election campaign themes and said Australia was now “open for business”.

Abbott said his government’s aim is to ensure that every “fit” person of working age remained in the workforce, either in a paid capacity or some other form.

The Prime Minister spoke of Australia’s role as president of the G20 over the coming year. He said he was looking forward to discussions in Brisbane about the digital economy and world infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of free markets and the need for governments to get out of the way of industry. “Government doesn’t create growth,” he said. “People do, when they run profitable businesses.”

“Better governance is not the same as more government,” Abbott told the forum.

Transcript of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Address to the World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland.

THIS YEAR’S G20: GETTING THE FUNDAMENTALS RIGHT

Abbott

For more than 40 years, this World Economic Forum at Davos has been an important contributor to global progress.

It has brought together some of the best thinkers and most important decision-makers: not to dwell on problems but to focus on opportunities.

As 2014 begins, it’s easier to be optimistic. [Read more…]


Labor And The World: Mark Latham Outlines Opposition Foreign Policy

Opposition Leader Mark Latham has addressed the Lowy Institute, outlining the ALP’s foreign policy.

Latham said “the world which the next Labor Government will confront is very different from the world the last Labor Government faced”. With the Cold War over, “we have entered this new century with a single strategic and political superpower, the United States.”

Economic globalisation is “another equally important force..transforming the world”, Latham said. “It is blurring the traditional distinctioms between domestic and foreign policy.” [Read more…]


Australia Benefits From Globalisation: Downer

This is the transcript of the speech delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, at the Launch of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements.

Speech by Alexander Downer at Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements.

Globalisation: Global Opportunities And Global Responsibilities

DownerIntroduction

Thank you, Professor Darvall [Vice Chancellor, Monash University], distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is my great pleasure to address you on the occasion ofthe launch of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements.

Monash University has responded creatively and very successfully to the opportunities and challenges of globalisation.

It has adopted a global strategy, establishing campuses and research links in Europe, Asia and Africa. [Read more…]


Howard Talks Up Globalisation To Italian Business Leaders

As the Prime Minister, John Howard, wraps up his visits to Greece and Italy, he has promoted the benefits of globalisation to an audience of Italian politicians and business leaders at a lunch in Rome.

HowardThe speech differed little from the speeches Howard has given in a number of places over the past ten days. He attributed a strong Australian economy to major economic reforms over the past 15-20 years and said that the budget surplus had been reduced whilst Australia had become an “aggressive, diverse exporter”.

He said: “I am a very passionate believer in the benefits of globalisation. If you look at the balance sheet over the past 20 or 30 years, you can find examples of previously very poorly developed countries but whose condition has been transformed by them opening up their economies and thereby obtaining the benefits of globalisation.

“But I think it is fair to say that globalisation enjoys a bad press. And that is not meant to be a criticism of journalists. I think it is a recognition though that sometimes Governments and businessmen are not as good as they should be at explaining and selling and communicating the benefits of globalisation. [Read more…]