Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has officially kicked off his unofficial mini-election campaign, saying this year's poll is the most important in a generation.
Mr Abbott released a new campaign blueprint which appears to backpedal on delivering a budget surplus within 12 months if he wins government.
The coalition's 50-page photo-rich glossy policy document, Our Plan: Real Solutions for all Australians, says "we will get the budget under control" but it does not mention a time frame.
Mr Abbott told an American presidential-style rally of 300 Liberal supporters in Sydney the coalition has been "listening" and strengthening its plans for Australia.
He described Australia as "a great country, a great people, shame about the government".
"I know our best days are ahead of us but our best days will only come if we change the government," Mr Abbott said.
He said the next federal poll will be the most important election in a generation, and 2013 will be the year Australians rediscover "their best selves".
"We have to have more freedom, that's what we have in the marrow of our bones, that's what's in the DNA of the Liberal Party," Mr Abbott said.
The opposition leader said his plan started with a strong economy.
He outlined in general terms the coalition's intention to cut taxes, abolish the carbon and mining taxes, boost productivity and slash red tape.
"A strong economy is what we need to produce the strong communities that each and every one of us belongs to."
The social fabric of Australia was what made the country strong, Mr Abbott said.
He hoped to improve it with his "fair dinkum paid parental leave scheme" and better child care that let women participate more in the workforce.
Mr Abbott again took aim at the carbon tax.
"Just think of how much hotter it would have been the other day but for the carbon tax," he said to laughter from the party faithful.
"Isn't it bizarre that this government thinks that somehow raising the price of electricity is going to clean up our environment."
AAP
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