With great humility, resolve and enthusiasm, I have accepted to become Prime Minister of the greatest country on earth. I am truly honoured to lead the Australia that I love. And I am utterly committed to the service of our people.

I grew up in South Australia with parents who worked day and night for our family. They insisted on hard work, good education, treating people with respect and on doing our bit for the community. I believe in a Government that rewards those who work the hardest, not those who complain the loudest, a government that rewards those who work in our factories and farms, classrooms and hospitals, storefronts and offices, mines and mills and those who care for family at home.

I will lead a strong and responsible Government that will take control of our future, does more to harness the talent of the Australian people, and ensures that every child gets a fair go and a great education. Today I can also assure every Australian that their Budget will be in surplus in 2013, three years ahead of schedule.

It is my intention to lead a Government that does more to harness the wind and the sun and the new emerging technologies. I will do this because I believe climate change is real, and that human beings contribute to it. I will reprosecute the case for a carbon price at home and abroad, and will do that as the global economic conditions improve and our economy continues to strengthen. I also plan to seek a consensus on the proposed Resources Super Profit Tax.

I want an Australia that can achieve even greater things in the future. A nation where hard work is rewarded and the dignity of work is respected; a nation that prides itself on the excellence of its education system; where Government can be relied upon to provide high quality services for all Australians.

To the Australian people I say there will be some days I will delight you, there may be some days I disappoint you, but on every day I will do my absolute best for you.