Abbott: Election about the 'future of Australian people'

In his opening statement for the first televised debate of the Australian election campaign, leader of the opposition Tony Abbott promised to build a stronger economy, develop infrastructure across the county and curb immigration.

Mr Abbott, from the Liberal Party of Australia said: "We'll stop the boats because no self-respecting country can hand over control of part of its immigration programme to people smugglers."

He promised a positive plan "for a better future to restore hope, reward and opportunity".