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
The Apology opened the opportunity for a new relationship based on mutual respect and mutual responsibility between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia. Because without mutual respect and mutual responsibility, the truth is we can achieve very little. – 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
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