Monthly Archives: January 2015

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the Government will use this year to focus on jobs and families.

In his New Year message, Mr Abbott outlined the Government’s priorities for 2015, highlighting national security and road infrastructure as other items high on his agenda.

“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,” he said.

“Our future will be stronger because of the difficult but necessary decisions taken last year.

“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.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says Labor will continue to focus this year on jobs, health and education.

Mr Shorten used his New Year statement to say the Opposition would fight against increases to the cost of living for ordinary Australians.

He said he also wanted a process finalised to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution.

“This is the challenge of our generation, and one we cannot abdicate,” he said.

The two leaders have also used their New Year messages to highlight this year’s Anzac Centenary.

Mr Shorten said the April centenary of the 1915 Gallipoli landings was a chance to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

“We’ll be reminded that Australia’s best hope has always been its people,” he said.

Mr Abbott said he hoped all Australians would take part in the event in some way.

“It will be the most significant commemoration in a generation,” he said.

“In remembering the Anzacs’ sacrifice we will draw on our own strength and confidence for the future.

“So this New Year’s Day, let us rededicate ourselves to building a better Australia with more opportunity for everyone.”

source:abc.net.au