Right around the world, Australia is seen as a beacon of hope and opportunity.
To be an Australian is to win the lottery of life and this is the foundation of our optimism as we enter 2015.
We should feel confident about our country and its prospects and while 2014 had its challenges, much was achieved.
The Government will build on these foundations in 2015.
In the coming year, we will build on the 165,000 new jobs that were created last year.
This coming year, Australian families and businesses will benefit from the scrapping of bad taxes, the cutting of red tape and the free trade agreements that have been finalised.
Our future will be stronger because of the difficult but necessary decisions taken last year.
And we will be safer because of the extra resources and the stronger laws to protect our national security.
Yes, right now, there are some economic crosswinds because of lower commodity prices and lower tax revenue.
But, our Economic Action Strategy is laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Australia.
So the Government’s priorities for 2015 will be to create more jobs, to reduce costs for families, to build roads, to strengthen national security and to create opportunity for all.
We can expect 2015 to bring its share of challenges and when they arise we will do what we have always done: we will turn to each other, we will work together and we will make whatever decisions are needed to strengthen our country and its people.
My commitment to you is to keep our country safe and secure – that’s why the coming months will see updated counter terrorism legislation in the parliament.
And then in April, we will commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign. It will be the most significant commemoration in a generation and I hope that everyone will participate in some way.
In remembering the ANZAC’s sacrifice, we will draw on our own strength and confidence for the future.
So this New Year’s Day, let us re-dedicate ourselves to building a better Australia – with more opportunity for everyone.
Happy New Year Australia!
1 January 2015