Anthony Albanese

The passage of time is likely to make high-speed rail more and more desirable, making it critical that politicians of today think ahead to tomorrow.

High-speed rail would revolutionise interstate travel and would also be an economic game-changer for dozens of regional communities along its path.

Our national challenge is to continue to drive sustained economic growth.

There is a separation - a very clear separation - between the judiciary, the legal system, and the political system in this country, and that's why Labor has a problem with the issue of mandatory sentencing as a principle.

Australia has an economic interest in ensuring our cities have 21st century urban rail transport to reduce traffic congestion.

It is in the national interest to have the Flying Kangaroo. It's in the interests of our tourism industry. It's in the interests of jobs here in Australia.

What Labor has said very clearly is that there should be up to life sentences for people who traffic in guns.

Despite the enormous role that local government plays in our daily lives, the constitution makes not one mention of it.

If we are to celebrate the giants in Australian public life, then Robert Garran must be among them. A lawyer and passionate advocate of Federation, Garran was one of several hands that drafted our constitution.

Politicians who lack the vision to lead the community on big issues like public transport often hide their inaction by blaming other levels of government when anyone complains.

Whether politicians are dealing with complex policy problems or trying to communicate with the electorate, it makes sense to establish a clear, long term narrative underpinned by forward-looking policies to deliver on its vision.

The very best Labor governments in our nation's history distinguished themselves by thinking big and, wherever possible, resisting the temptation to overemphasise short-term political considerations.