Kevin Rudd sworn in as Australia’s new prime minister
Iran Press TV
Thu Jun 27, 2013 8:33AM GMT
Kevin Rudd has taken the oath of office as Australia’s prime minister, following a challenge with Julia Gillard for the leadership of the Labor Party.
Rudd was sworn in for a second time at Government House in front of Governor-General Quentin Bryce in Canberra on Thursday. He won the vote of the Labor caucus 57 to 45 on Wednesday.
The new Australian premier addressed the parliament briefly, paying tribute to Gillard.
The leader of Australia’s governing party assumes the position of prime minister in the country’s parliamentary system.
Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese was sworn in as deputy prime minister and Chris Bowen replaced Wayne Swan as treasurer.
Rudd came back to lead Australia three years after he was defeated in a similar Labor leadership contest by Gillard, who was his deputy at the time.
Rudd said he resumed the role of prime minister with “an important sense of energy and purpose.”
“Why am I taking on this challenge? For me it’s pretty basic, it’s pretty clear. I simply do not have it in my nature to stand idly by and to allow an Abbott government to come to power in this country by default,” the new prime minister stated.
Gillard stepped down as prime minister on Wednesday and said she would leave politics. Six of her ministers also resigned after the party vote.
In May, Gillard remained the party leader after a vote, as Rudd failed to garner enough party support to replace her. It was the first time Gillard beat Rudd in his attempt to seize control of the party.
As Australia’s first female prime minister, Gillard’s government was dependent on the backing of independents for its majority.
MR/HSN
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