Sumber: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/natio ... rudd-for-leadership
Julia Gillard has been sworn in as Australia's first female prime minister after Kevin Rudd stood aside instead of facing a leadership ballot.
Speaking to the media, Ms Gillard said she accepted the Labor leadership with humility, resolve and enthusiasm.
"I'm utterly committed to the service of this nation," she said.
"I will lead a strong and responsible government that will take control of our future."
Ms Gillard acknowleged she had not been elected prime minister by the Australian people and pledged to hold an election in coming months.
"I believe in a government that rewards those who work the hardest, not those who complain the loudest — the people who play by rules, set their alarms early, stand by their neighbours and love their country," she said.
"I will lead a strong and responsible government that will take control."
Wayne Swan will become deputy prime minister after an uncontested ballot, as well as keeping his current job as treasurer.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said Gillard's victory was executed by "warlords" and the "Labor mafia."
He said Labor under Gillard would have the same "dud policies, as they did under deposed leader Kevin Rudd".
Abbott slammed the way Rudd was treated by his party, saying "this is no way to treat a prime minister".
He congratulated Gillard on her succession to prime minister, describing it as "the highest unelected office in the land".
Abbott also said Labor's policy on the mining super tax would not necessarily change under Gillard even though she has vowed to end advertising around the tax.
He also deflected questions about his perceived flirtatious relationship with Gillard, saying "it's not about us".
In her acceptance speech, Ms Gillard paid tribute to her parents as well as her predecessor Kevin Rudd.
"Ultimately Kevin Rudd disagreed about the direction of the government, but he is a man of wonderful achievement," she said.
"I know the Rudd government did not do all it could do and sometimes it went off track."
-----------------------------
Agak mengejutkan sebab dijangka election tak lama lagi. Mungkin ini langkah untuk memastikan parti akan terus diberi kepercayaan untuk memerintah.... |