Tony Abbott enjoyed the turmoil of politics, even in his student days. An archival reel to reel tape recorded by community radio station 2UNE in 1979 has unearthed some of his early political views from when he was head of the national students union.

Kate Doak, who is Operations Manager of TUNE FM, unearthed the tape and played it on air. It is also available on the station’s website, where she writes:

“With a level of charm that only old Tape and Vinyl can deliver, I was whisked away to a time where Tony Abbott was way less recognizable than what he is now. Starting the interview off with the trials and tribulations of student politics and a healthy smattering of inter-university rivalry, Tony proceeds to take a firm swipe against both  Trade and Student Unions alike while recognizing their differences.

“Changing tack, he then switches topics to education, injects a streak of Christianity and sexism into the discussion and gets slightly put off when ambushed on the topic of Feminists, Gays, Migrants and Aboriginals forming their own supportive communities…

“Tony Abbott hasn’t been afraid to say what he thinks. So given his past record on issues such as Education, Unionism and Women in the Workplace, the contents of this recording aren’t all that surprising. What is extremely remarkable however is that Tony was able to present himself in such a manner at such a young age, and that his positions were so deeply entrenched at the time.”

Abbott apparently knew the value of community radio back then. It is not known whether he has current views on community radio’s ongoing funding campaign, whcih has been ramped up in the lead up to this election.

The station has challenged Tony Abbott to make a return to TUNE FM on a phone interview some time before election day. radioinfo has not yet had a response from Mr Abbott’s office to let us know if he intends to take up the interview offer.

To hear the 1979 interview click this link.