We Are Moving Toward Recognition Of The

Australia Is A Nation Of Compassion. Courage And Compassion. And The Third Of These Great Values: Resilience.

Compassion Is Not A Dirty Word. Compassion Is Not A Sign Of Weakness. In My View, Compassion In Politics And In Public Policy Is In Fact A Hallmark Of Great Strength. It Is A Hallmark Of A Society Which Has About It A Decency Which Speaks For Itself.

But Australia Faces Additional Regional And Global Challenges Also Crucial To Our Nation's Future - Climate Change, Questions Of Energy And Food Security, The Rise Of China And The Rise Of India. And We Need A Strong System Of Global And Regional Relationships And Institutions To Underpin Stability.

For Australians, Climate Change Is No Longer A Distant Threat. Our Rivers Are Dying, Bush Fires Are More Ferocious And More Frequent And Our Natural Wonders - The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Our Rainforests - Are Now At Risk.

Mr Howard's Problem Is For So Long He's Been A Climate Change Sceptic, How Can He, Therefore, Put Himself To The Country As Part Of A Climate Change Solution For The Future.