Peter Costello (Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. You need a brave heart. What you need to do in Australian politics to show bravery is to put in place those policies that will change your country: things like balancing a budget—that takes bravery; things like paying off $96 billion of debt—that takes bravery; things like reforming the taxation system—that takes bravery; things like introducing a new tax system—that takes policy bravery; reforming industrial relations, establishing the Future Fund, establishing a higher education endowment fund—doing all of those things which will set up Australia for the great challenges of the future. But let me tell you, Mr Speaker, what does not take bravery in politics. What does not take bravery is when you sit around and oppose every policy and then try to claim credit when it is over.

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