I have been asked to say a few words by way of introduction to this (book, film, car yard, abattoir) and it gives me great pleasure to do so. I have enjoyed (whatever) immensely, and I thoroughly recommend it to all Australian families. The Australian family is fundamental to all (stick something in here) and I thought I might use this as an opportunity to say one or two things about this country.
Australia has a great deal to be proud of (talk to Duncan or someone with a few bob and get him to run up a list) and is the envy of all other pipsqueak joints with no manufacturing industries and mounting debt. I was up in the Pilbara the other day (or some crap, try to keep off tariffs).
My fellow imposters; the great change in our society, as in many other similar economies (Honduras, Galapagos Islands) in the last few years, has been the shift of power from elected national governments to unelected international corporations. I don’t have a problem with this (call Richo and see if this is the right wording), but I am nevertheless often asked what we are going to do about it. (Get David to stick something in here about how many of the letters I get are from children.) What can governments do for the people who elect them? What can they do? Anyone? (Optional: drop if the audience is facing the other way, booing or screaming obscenities.) I think we’d better make a distinction between what we can change and what we must accept. (Pause, blink, squint, become agitated, belt lectern, swim out beyond lifeguard, open throttle.)
I refuse to accept that just because people are human beings they should be treated as human beings. What we’re talking about here is people. They are not human beings. And if they were human beings, so what anyway? So they’re human beings. Is that my fault? Anyway, shut up. I didn’t get to be in the position I am today by buggering about with a lot of detail. I’ve got nothing against Asian businessmen (check this). They’re men and they’re in business, but I will permit myself two observations which will establish even to the most cynical of my opponents, that there is every reason to be concerned about the future for Australia.
John Howard. Prime Minister.
(Clear all this with Pauline and call me at the cricket.)