Well Australias been in Afghanistan from the get go, way back in 2001, but we have been resolute throughout and with support from both sides of Australian politics. – Kevin Rudd
On Australia Day 2010, as we enter this second decade of the 21st century, Australians can be optimistic about our future, but we cannot afford to mistake optimism for complacency. – Kevin Rudd
These are important reforms. Infrastructure, education, health, hospitals, closing the gap with indigenous Australians. Also the Apology to the first Australians. As Prime Minister of the country I am proud of each and every one of these achievements. – Kevin Rudd
But Australia faces additional regional and global challenges also crucial to our nations 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. – Kevin Rudd