Tony Abbott speech warns on lack of power to reform, by David Crowe.

When it comes to budget repair, the reality is that this government has been in office — not in power. …

To counter the grievance-mongers, we must explain ever more intently that government can’t spend a dollar that it doesn’t take from taxpayers; and that today’s debt is tomorrow’s tax. …

The first challenge for a reforming government is not to publish a to-do list but to persuade people that change is worth it because it will be good for them.