Prime Minister Tony Abbott has addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
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.
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Transcript of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Address to the World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland.
THIS YEAR’S G20: GETTING THE FUNDAMENTALS RIGHT
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.
Introduction
The 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”.
In the speech, Costello argues that the critics of globalisation do not understand what is happening in the world or what has happened in Australian history.