Australia Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott has vowed to make good on his campaign pledges including tougher immigration policies in dealing with refugees and asylum-seekers after taking up his new post.
Å“Scrapping the carbon tax and stopping the (asylum-seekers) boats (arriving in Australia) are the two most urgent priorities…,” Abbott said on Sunday.
Australia has become a desired destination for Asian immigrants who are seeking a better life. But over the years, hundreds of them have lost their lives because their overcrowded boats were capsized in rough waters.
The 55-year-old Abbott has also promised to cut the foreign aid budget by 4.5 billion Australian dollars (USD 4.1) once he takes office, adding, Å“You have to govern for everyone including the people that didn’t vote for you and the people who probably won’t ever support you – that’s the nature of the job.”
During his campaign rallies, Abbott pledged the nation to tackle an expected economic slump.
On Saturday, the National Liberal Coalition ended the Labor Partyâ„¢s six-year rule in a landslide victory.
Abbottâ„¢s party won 88 seats in the House of Representatives while the Labor Party garnered only 57 seats.
Abbott is expected to be sworn in as Australian prime minister next week.
MAM/PR/SS
Republished from: Press TV