The leadership trouble that plagued the coalition in the latter stages of 2009 was a "necessary period of introspection", Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.
Heading into 2010, Mr Abbott believes the coalition is moulding a range of solid policies that will ensure it will be a credible contender once the next election rolls around.
Just over a month into the job, he gave his thoughts on what 2010 may hold.
The leadership turmoil that saw him usurp Malcolm Turnbull in the top job undoubtedly had dealt a blow to the party but, Mr Abbott said, the Liberals had since "got our act together".
"Everything has changed since the 1st of December," he told ABC Television on Wednesday.
"We've gone through a necessary period of introspection.
"We're developing credible policies and that's why I think it is realistic to think that we can win the next election."
With climate change again tipped to be a hot issue, Mr Abbott said the opposition would be releasing its official policy in "just a few weeks".
But he once again was shaky on the credibility of the debate itself.
"The science is not nearly as settled as the wild zealots say," he said.
"In the end, this is not a question of belief, it is a question of fact.
"And we need more facts and less faith."
The opposition, which successfully voted down the government's emissions trading scheme (ETS) last year, will adopt a policy of direct action, but admits it will come at a price.
"It won't be cost free, but there is a lot that you can do to reduce emissions and improve the environment that will fund itself," said Mr Abbott, who proclaimed himself an "environmentalist".
Border protection, the economy, foreign investment and workplace laws were other issues in which ground was set to be won against the government, he said.
Mr Abbott, who declared Work Choices was dead as a phrase at his first press conference as opposition leader, eased off suggestions he may bring back a similar scheme.
He called it a mistake, but said any fair workplace relations system under a coalition government would be made free from "union bullies".
He maintained a coalition win at the next election was not impossible.
He took particular aim at the prime minister - while having helped Australia weather the global financial storm - for turning a billion-dollar surplus into a billion-dollar deficit.
Asked about his supposedly frosty personal relationship with Kevin Rudd, he replied he was not in the business of liking his opponent regardless of any of his positive personal attributes.
And for those wanting to know more about Mr Abbott and his ideals, the Rhodes scholar, keen athlete and the third man to lead the coalition in just two years has this suggestion: buy his new book.