Australian opposition leader Tony Abbott has praised the "fundamental strengths" of the country's economy on a recent visit to the New York Stock Exchange, drawing opprobrium from some critics who noted the difference between his tone there and his recent gloomy assessments domestically.
Mr Abbott told the assembled stockbrokers in New York: "We have an abundance of natural resources, we have a stable political system and we have talented and creative people."
Despite his concerns over Julia Gilliard's policies he is optimistic for the future, he added.
Treasurer Wayne Swan reacted angrily to the opposition leader's quotes, reports the Sydney Morning Herald, questioning why his attitude to the economy changes so drastically whenever he changes time zones.
This follows a trip to the UK where he stressed Australia's relatively impressive economic performance compared to Britain.
Property investment strategist Rick Otton recently suggested that Australians should be more confident about their property market, given the continued interest in it by foreign investors.
Posted by Steve Douglas
