The Courage of Our Convictions...(one for aussies)

[dudeness]

The Courage of Our Convictions
Mark Latham - Shadow Treasurer, Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives

Speech
Transcript - The Light on the Hill Lecture, Bathurst - 20 September 2003
It is said that Ben Chifley, when asked about the best part of one of his trips to Europe, replied: "The sight of Bathurst as I rounded Brown's Hill."

Tonight I know how he felt. This is a great city with a great Labor tradition. I am honoured to deliver the 2003 Light on the Hill Lecture.

First and foremost, Ben Chifley was a citizen of Bathurst. He believed in the value of localism – so much so that, even as Prime Minister of Australia, he continued to serve on the Abercrombie Shire Council.

He believed in the importance of community and social solidarity. Among the many honours and achievements in his life, the one Chifley valued most was the Freedom of the City of Bathurst, conferred on 27 August 1949.

At the official ceremony he said that: "We are only figures passing along the highway to eternity. It is friendships, rather than distinctions, that have the most meaning in life's journey." And his greatest friendship, of course, was with the people of this city.

http://www.alp.org.au/media/0903/20005784.html