What does it mean to be an American? While each of us may have our own specific answer to that question we likely can agree on the basic principles of America: freedom equal opportunity and rights accompanied by responsibilities.

The new freedom of expression brought by the Internet goes far beyond politics. People relate to each other in new ways posing questions about how we should respond to people when all that we know about them is what we have learned through a medium that permits all kinds of anonymity and deception.

I am conservative with a small 'c.' It's possible to be conservative in fiscal policy and tolerant on moral issues or questions of freedom of expression.

For us democracy is a question of human dignity. And human dignity is political freedom.

Liberals it has been said are generous with other peoples' money except when it comes to questions of national survival when they prefer to be generous with other people's freedom and security.

I would say that playing this character has caused me to think about a lot of things. He's always questioning himself and trying to get back to something he lost touch with and trying to find forgiveness. Everybody struggles with these things to some extent in their life.

But Australia faces additional regional and global challenges also crucial to our nation's future - climate change questions of energy and food security the rise of China and the rise of India. And we need a strong system of global and regional relationships and institutions to underpin stability.

Never be a food snob. Learn from everyone you meet - the fish guy at your market the lady at the local diner farmers cheese makers. Ask questions try everything and eat up!

A city is a place where there is no need to wait for next week to get the answer to a question to taste the food of any country to find new voices to listen to and familiar ones to listen to again.

So long as you have food in your mouth you have solved all questions for the time being.