My fellow Australians,
When I became prime minister, I resolved to do a better job than when I was opposition leader. Above all, I resolved to listen more to you.
But I also resolved to listen more to our team, and implement a genuine Cabinet government - unlike my predecessor, who was more into being captain than working with the team.
So I have been determined not always to get my way. And I have on occasion supported plans I disliked because my colleagues deemed them the best way forward.
I’ve been criticised and called unprincipled for doing this – but I’m proud that I kept my word.
On same-sex marriage, I followed a process that I opposed, because a lot of my colleagues weren’t on board. Instead, you took the lead and said, resoundingly and inspiringly, let’s do this.
On energy policy, we know most Australians want us to take action on climate change while keeping prices low. So we agreed on a national energy guarantee that fell short of what I wanted, but delivered reductions and certainty for business.
This compromise wasn’t enough for some of my colleagues. So we revised it again. When they still objected, we abandoned the commitment to carbon reduction that everyone knows I’ve always supported. Because I put the team first.
But it’s become abundantly clear that this isn’t about policy or the team. And above all, this isn’t about listening to you. If we did, we’d follow the Lowy Institute poll which found 59% of us want to combat climate change even if it involves significant costs. Again, you’re saying, let’s do this.
Well, as of now, we are no longer governing for anyone who won’t listen to reason, won’t listen to science, and won’t listen to you.
We, who have been blessed with so much sunshine and vast spaces for wind turbines, should be leading the world, not clinging to polluting technologies. So we’ll introduce generous subsidies and tax incentives to encourage Australian businesses and consumers to get on with it.
We’ll do the same for electric vehicles, and other innovative green technologies.
And to boost the solar industry, we are going to put panels and storage batteries on every feasible government building.
We’re already building more public transport – let’s finally build a fast intercity train network to reduce the tyranny of distance and boost the economy. And let’s fix the NBN so it can be sold for a much greater value, recouping our investment.
Many of us, or our ancestors, migrated here for a better life in a country of opportunity. We will continue that legacy. Anyone who gets a doctorate from an Australian university, or develops an innovative new business, or will create significant jobs, will be given permanent residency, and a rapid pathway to citizenship. We want the best to come here, stay here, and build the future for us all.
In 2016, you trusted me to run this country, and I promise you that for as long as I have that responsibility, we’re going to do what we know you want, but haven’t had the guts to do because of our internal tensions. Let’s do this.
The alternative is another government that plays to the fringes, not the centre, and does what their funding partners demand, whether that’s big business or the unions.
But if that happens, the Australian people again will use opinion polls to say they aren’t happy, and politicians will get rattled and roll yet another leader. Then voters will punish them. And this cycle of bloodthirsty politics and timid policy will continue.
I’m still a team player, but from now on, this government’s going to join arms with those who elected us – those in the centre. We’re going to let it rip, and build the Australia we dream of. Let’s do this.
And if anyone wants to challenge, have at it. But I’m no longer holding back on what we know is right for this country just because a few colleagues don’t like it.
You are my bosses, not them. And you want us to stop getting stuck on ourselves, and instead, get stuck in.
• Dom Knight is a writer, broadcaster and co-founder of The Chaser
