What you said about Des Houghton column on Tony Abbott stance on Australia’s history

A former Aussie Prime Minister is being praised for his strong stance which bucks recent trends. HAVE YOUR SAY

Australia's former prime minister Tony Abbott has made some pointed remarks, writes Des Houghton. Picture: Oli SCARFF / AFP

Tony Abbott has been hailed as a passionate Aussie after his claim that the nation’s future is a lot brighter than people think, and the past is not so gloomy.

Courier-Mail columnist Des Houghton highlighted the former Prime Minister’s stance.

“He spoke this week to a packed ballroom at the Tattersalls Club at an event staged by the Australian Institute for Progress for the launch of his book, Australia: A History.

Abbott was compelling,” he wrote.

“ … Abbott said Australians had been turned off by the historiography of the past 30 years or so “which has all been about shame, embarrassment, invasion, persecution, racism and even genocide”.”

He added: “I don’t say that there are no bad parts of our history. Not for a second do I say that there aren’t things we did poorly and should learn from and maybe atone for.

“However, on balance ours is a great story.”

Mr Houghton backed Mr Abbott.

Abbott said there were many stories of friendships and partnerships with Indigenous Australians. Picture: Christian Gilles

“He looks to the Hawke-Howard era as our golden age – a relaxed and comfortable time,” he wrote.

Readers largely agreed, with many hailing Abbott as the leader the nation needs today.

Others suggested Anthony Albanese needs to take notes on how to run a country, while some claimed there remains opportunities.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

Go Tony!

Blue Leader

Abbott still has much to offer so hope he stays in public life for many years yet.

One of our best elder statesmen.

Many notches above Turnbull – which makes the actions by Turnbull an appalling act.

Also casts Turnbull’s allies at the time, in a terrible light.

Should all be embarrassed – if not ashamed of their behaviour.

Bryan W

Absolutely fantastic! Finally someone trying to put some pride back into our Nation. Tony Abbott is a true Australian and has hit the nail smack on the head.

Robert

I am in awe of the man Tony Abbott has become, he is inspirational, clever and has always had a great mind. He speaks clearly and with the common sense rarely heard from politicians, or anyone for that matter. If he were to return to politics, I would vote for him in a heartbeat.

Baysider

Thank you Tony. I worry about a country where we’re made to feel guilty for living here if we’re not of Aboriginal descent. No pride in our country makes us a sitting duck.

Take notes, Albo

shaun

Oh how I wish we had someone like Abbott in charge now instead of the bumbling, incompetent, economy wreckers that we’re stuck with …

Muppet_Slayer️

And the usual rent-a-crown were outside trying to deny Mr Abbott to his right to free speech, just like they denied Pauline Hanson.

Oh for Mr Abbott to be PM today

Happy Daze

We sure need more of Abbotts and Howards and less of Albaneses, Gillards, Rudds, Keatings, Whitlams etc.

Tom

We will not be able to Hit our Straps and get back to a golden age until this woeful & incompetent Labor government is gone !

What could have been

Spike

One has to wonder what could have been if Tony Abbott had been allowed to serve out his time as PM!

It certainly wouldn’t be the way this country is now and sadly we will never know what could have been!

EvanK1

Then along came back stabber Turnbull again and the Liberal party has never recovered., all because of Howard’s bad judgement on Turnbull.

Whatacrazyworld

We ain’t perfect , but by the contributions of anyone who’s walked and loved this land we are a hell of a long way in front of anything comparable … No where on earth is a country so diverse and unique . Our history isn’t without fault . But what we do together 26 mil, is astonishing … in every measurable endeavour … thanks to all .

Glenda

We desperately need another Tony Abbott or Bob Hawke.

Originally published as What you said about Des Houghton column on Tony Abbott stance on Australia’s history