Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has set an ambitious target to reduce the nation’s standing in the international community by almost a third over the next seven months.

The PM hit back at critics who suggested the status abatement target is too high, saying much of the work is already underway. “In just nine months in office we’ve already made great headway. This target is achievable, and under my watch, we’ll get there”.

But some within the party say the target is an unnecessary burden, given Australia only accounts for 1.5% of the globe’s reputation. “Other countries are doing nothing to lower their reputation, so why should we?” one MP said

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