CANBERRA, Australia - FOR the second time in his political career, Kevin Rudd was this
morning sworn as Prime Minister of Australia at Government House in
Canberra.
Mr Rudd was joined by key colleagues Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen,
who were sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer respectively.
All three new leaders signed the Oath before Governor-General Quentin
Bryce put ink to the documents, sealing Mr Rudd's return to The Lodge.
- The ceremony came after an extraordinary night in Canberra on Wednesday.
- Within hours of rumours of a petition circulating in the Labor caucus for a special meeting, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard brought the speculation to a head by calling a leadership ballot.
- But it was a ballot she would lose to Mr Rudd, and the resignations of six of her Cabinet ministers came thick and fast.
- The political blood-letting included the resignations of Wayne Swan, Greg Combet, Stephen Conroy, Craig Emerson, Peter Garrett and Joe Ludwig.
- In addition to the new PM, DPM and Treasurer, the spill has reopened the doors to higher office for several Rudd supporters.
- Two others to be promoted were Penny Wong, who will become the first female Leader of the Senate, and Jacinta Collins the deputy.
- Others who may be considered for promotion included Joel Fitzgibbon, Janelle Saffin, Ed Husic and Justine Elliot.
In a speech on Wednesday night, Mr Rudd promised to unite
the Labor Party against the Opposition after holding a press
conference.He said he would take the role with "humility, honour and with an important sense of energy and purpose".
Mr Rudd paid tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who
resigned via the Governor General after being bested in a ballot 57-45,
and is expected to follow through on her vow to not contest the upcoming
election.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Rudd said politics had failed the Australian people, having been overwhelmed with negativity.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Rudd said politics had failed the Australian people, having been overwhelmed with negativity.
Source: Sunshine Coastal Daily...More...
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