Speaking with radio stations Macquarie Radio and 2GB on Monday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott delivered a stern warning to his constituency in the wake of the Coalition's budgetary announcements, using the experience of Europe as a key example. Mr Abbott's comments came after national polls indicated a major drop in his government's popularity.
In his Macquarie Radio interview, the PM focused on the consequences for the Australian people if they return to a nation run by the Labor Party:
"To go back to Labor would be a surrender ... I don't say that we have entirely solved as yet the problem ... but I don't believe that the Australian people want to surrender when it comes to the task of strengthening our economy."
Mr Abbott concluded by outlining his 2015 plans. The nation's leader stated that he will continue with reaffirming his government's actions to the Australian people in a patient and persistent manner.
The PM then spoke with 2GB radio on the same day, which also gave him an opportunity to mention the AirAsia plane incident. In relation to his assessment of the "European disease" and why Australia needs to avoid following in the continent's footsteps, Mr Abbott said:
"We all look at many of the countries of Europe, we see bloated public sectors, we see an entitlement mindset which is proving very resistant to better leadership. We don't want that for our country."
In the latter interview, Mr Abbott did make a concession regarding the challenges experienced during the year, saying that 2014 was "every bit as difficult" as he and his colleagues expected. Overall, though, the PM portrayed a confident face and asserted that his government "can and will" succeed on the policy front.