For a government on the nose, it was lazy, sloppy work by senior minister Anthony Albanese to plagiarise part of a film script during a major speech.

Then came the shambolic events of Australia Day when a member of the Prime Minister's staff, too clever by half and now out of a job, put Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott in the firing line of protesting Aborigines.

And to round things off the first opinion polls of the year have revealed Ms Gillard is still the most unpopular PM in Australia's history.

Mr Abbott, the man known as Dr No for the Coalition's negative tactics, is even less popular but if the speech he presented at the Australian Press Club yesterday is an indication then maybe he has changed tack.

In a refreshing, frank speech, Mr Abbott outlined his vision for Australia's future from taxation and education, to maternity leave, disability insurance, Aboriginal affairs and beyond.

Abolition of the carbon and minerals taxes, spending cutbacks and generous breaks for parents of private school students may not sit well with everyone but at least it will spark debate.