Australian PM announces November 24 poll

Prime Minister John Howard says the right leadership has the experience to further expand the the prosperity of the Australian economy.

Prime Minister John Howard says the right leadership has the experience to further expand the the prosperity of the Australian economy. (ABC News: Damien Larkins)

Prime Minister John Howard has announced Australia will go to the polls on November 24.

Mr Howard launched the election campaign after visiting Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, earlier today.

He says in the weeks ahead people must decide who is most able to not only to preserve Australia's prosperity, but build it to make sure it is fairly spread.

"Is it a Government that has a proven track record in those areas? Or is it an inexperienced group of men and women, 70 per cent of whom are former trade union officials?" he said.

"The right leadership has the experience to further expand the the prosperity of the Australian economy.

"The right leadership is the leadership that's willing to take unpopular decisions in the short-term that have a long-term benefit for the Australian community.

"This country does not need new leadership, it doesn't need old leadership. It needs the right leadership."

Mr Howard says he is committed to ensuring full employment.

"That 33-year low [of 4.2 per cent unemployment] can go lower with the right policies. There is no reason why the current unemployment can't go lower," he said.

He also highlighted plans to enforce national security, Australia's interests overseas, and address climate change and water shortages.

Responding to questions regarding his comments this week on Indigenous reconciliation, Mr Howard says "we still have a long way to go".

"I have always wanted to achieve reconciliation," he said.

"What I believe the NT intervention has done, is provide a remarkable and a fortuitous opportunity.

"Not only do you have to unite conservative and progressive Australia, you've got to unite the symbolic with the practical."

Future government

Mr Howard says if re-elected