Tony Abbott's 2012 New Year Message

31/12/11

On behalf of the Liberal and National Parties, I wish all Australians a happy New Year.

The New Year is a time to reflect, a time to be optimistic and a time to set goals. Many of us did it tough in 2011. The challenges of nature, economic uncertainty and cost of living all tested us but Australians are a strong, resourceful and resilient people. We came through last year. The challenge is to make 2012 a year of hope, reward and opportunity.

We need to build a stronger economy because that will make our nation stronger and the best way to do this is for government to live within its means. Ending the waste and repaying the debt means that we can take the pressure off inflation and interest rates. That means we can get taxes down – that will help small business to grow and create jobs and to make our country more prosperous.

As well, government needs to get the fundamentals right, of keeping commitments, protecting our borders and building a more productive society.

I hope that in 2012 all of us will be nearer to our best selves and I pledge the Coalition to help in this great task.