Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream.

LISTEN
Watch
on air now

Create a 2GB account today!

You can now log in once to listen live, watch live, join competitions, enjoy exclusive 2GB content and other benefits.


Joining is free and easy.

You will soon need to register to keep streaming 2GB online. Register an account or skip for now to do it later.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Tony Abbott fires back at Coalition colleagues for ‘over the top’ criticism

Ray Hadley
Article image for Tony Abbott fires back at Coalition colleagues for ‘over the top’ criticism

Tony Abbott has come out swinging at his Coalition colleagues for “intemperate and over the top” criticism of his comments on immigration policy.

In a speech on Tuesday night to the Sydney Institute, Mr Abbott suggested Australia reduce migration to 110,000 a year until infrastructure catches up and housing becomes more affordable.

It sparked a war of words with several senior government ministers.

Mr Abbott tells Ray Hadley he will “respond forcefully” if they continue to take potshots.

“The important thing is we ought to be capable of having a debate.

“I think I have a few qualifications to offer advice to the government.”

He said ministers must not have read his speech, “judging from the intemperate, over the top and to take a phrase from someone else, inept response they’ve made”.

He tells Ray they should “listen with a degree of respect”.

In an opinion piece in The Australian, Mr Abbott writes he knows more about winning elections than anyone in the parliament.

“When some topics are thought to be completely off-limits for debate, governments flounder and resentment grows.”

Click PLAY to hear the full interview

Ray Hadley
Advertisement