Good morning. What a warm welcome. Thank you for your support.

Well, we've got a tough fight ahead, but judging from your welcome today, it's clearly a fight we're all ready for.

This is a fight the people of NSW need us to win. In fact, people stop Deborah and me in the street each day and say “You Have to win”

And it's a fight we can win!

Happy Australia Day!

On day’s like today you reflect on the extraordinary achievement of what Australia has become.

We are a truly unique and special people, no matter where we have come from.

There is a substance to the character of our community, based on Australian values and culture that have been built up over generations. Volunteering, community service, respect for others, personal responsibility have taken pride of place.

English is and will always be our first and unifying language. However we also embrace the second languages of the many different backgrounds of Australians as community assets, especially in the pursuit of understanding and friendships with our international neighbours.

Presentation to Millennium Forum Briefing, American Club, Macquarie Street, Sydney

Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen for coming along this morning at this busy time. I appreciate your support and your interest. I don’t wish to delay you any longer than is necessary so I propose to get right to it.

2006 may be drawing to a close, but the Government’s taxpayer funded advertising blitz makes it clear that the final phase of the campaign for the State Election on March 24 has begun.

The Government’s pre-Christmas advertising blitz would make even Gerry Harvey blush. But there are some important differences. Unlike Labor’s ads, you can believe what Gerry has to say and you don’t have to pay for them.

The taxpayers of NSW have paid enough for this Government. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay out again as Labor tries to get themselves re-elected.