Abbott urges Australians to 'have a go'

PM Tony Abbott says Australians should enter 2014willing to help build the future of the country. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIANS should enter 2014 full of optimism and willing to have a go to better their country, Prime MinisterTony Abbott says.

He says the strength of the country is in its people's willingness to better their lives.

"This is the year I hope more of us than ever will 'have a go'," he says in a new year's message.

"We'll start new businesses, we'll build new houses, we'll undertake further study, make investments and plan a future.

"May we all be nearer to our best selves in 2014, government included."

In 2014 the country will start commemorating the centenary of Anzac - which falls in 2015 - and begin a conversation about a referendum to recognise indigenous people in the constitution.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said he and Labor would spend the next year fighting for Australians' jobs and making sure the government sticks to its election promises.

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