This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

'Wiser' Malcolm Turnbull Ready To Restore Confidence

'Wiser' Malcolm Turnbull Ready To Restore Confidence

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has pledged to restore confidence in the Government with strong economic leadership, innovative policy and empathy for everyday Australians.

Turnbull laid out a clear platform to unite and reinvigorate the Coalition on Monday night a week after toppling Tony Abbott as leader.

On the same day his newly formed Cabinet was sworn it at Government House in Canberra, Turnbull told the ABC's 730 program that he'd learned a lot from being dumped as Liberal leader in 2009 and had become "at peace" with himself.

"You don't learn a lot from success. If you can survive setbacks... an experience like that either makes you or breaks you," Turnbull said.

"You can come out of that reforged and regalvanised as a wiser and better person."

In a polished performance from the new PM, Turnbull deftly laid out a vision for his Government: restore business confidence; carefully manage Australia's diplomatic relationship with China; and win back the trust of voters after a series of policy missteps, division within the party room and gaffes from Abbott himself.

Turnbull repeatedly made it clear that, in contrast to Tony Abbott's 'captain’s call' Prime Ministership, he would consult his colleagues in major policy matters including tax reform, climate change, industrial relations and foreign affairs.

"This is a Cabinet Government," he said.

"I have learned to be more respectful and to recognise more than I used to that there is so much wisdom to be found among others.

"The important thing is to be open minded, consult, engage intelligently, explain the matter to the public, make a decision and then argue and advocate for it."

The Member for Wentworth also revealed that he and his wife Lucy will continue to live in their Point Piper residence and use Kirribilli House for official engagements.

We also learned from Turnbull's 730 interview that he wears an Apple Watch and that he once told a director at Goldman Sachs in New York that cab drivers are hard workers who earn low wages.

And perhaps most importantly, he doesn't find himself "particularly interesting".

"I'm at peace with myself, I feel that the leadership I can provide will make a difference," he said.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.