I've always held the view that great states need strategic space. I mean, George Washington took his space from George III. Britain took it from just about everybody. Russia took all of Eastern Europe. Germany's taken it from everywhere they can, and China will want its space too.
The great curse of modern political life is incrementalism.
If one takes pride in one's craft, you won't let a good thing die. Risking it through not pushing hard enough is not a humility.
You see, before I became prime minister, the Australian prime minister only attended ever two meetings in the world: the British Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the South Pacific Forum.
I think the Australian people are very conscientious. During the 1980s and 1990s we proved they will respond conscientiously to necessary reforms. They mightn't like them but they'll accept them. But reforms have to be presented in a digestible format.
I think Australia has to be a country which has the 'Welcome' sign out.
Well, I think that - I think leadership's always been about two main things: imagination and courage.
You get one chance to do something about native title. You get perhaps one chance in your life to do something about a republic. You get one chance, your chance, to build a piece of the political architecture in the Pacific. I wasn't going to give those up.
The great changes in civilisation and society have been wrought by deeply held beliefs and passion rather than by a process of rational deduction.
When the Berlin Wall came down the Americans cried, 'Victory,' and walked off the field.
In the end, rational policy is always good.
Well, Australians should speak for the national interests of Australia, and whatever role former Australian prime ministers may have, one of the things you do is speak frankly about the country as you see the country's best interests, you know?
You see, psychologically, Australia must understand it has to live in the region around it. Australia must find its security in Asia; it cannot find its security from Asia.
I used to say in the cabinet room, 'confidence is not like a can of Popeye spinach - you can't take the top off and swallow it down.' You know, confidence has to be earned.
I try to use the Australian idiom to its maximum advantage.
For un-subscribe please check the mail footer.
