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Reluctant Hero · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject: Ruud Elected as Australia's PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7111479.stm

Australia's opposition Labor Party under Kevin Rudd has won a sweeping general election victory, removing PM John Howard after an 11-year term.
Mr Rudd said Australia had "looked to the future" and that he would be "a prime minister for all Australians".

Correspondents say key changes will be the start of a troop pullout from Iraq and the signing of the Kyoto protocol on climate change.

With 75% of ballots now counted, Labor has about 53% of the vote.

Mr Howard, whose Liberal Party-led coalition has about 46.5%, is still seriously in danger of losing his own seat of Bennelong.

In his concession speech, Mr Howard said: "This is a great democracy and I want to wish Mr Rudd well.

"We bequeath to him a nation that is stronger and prouder and more prosperous than it was eleven and a half years ago."

Mr Rudd, a former diplomat, is almost 20 years younger than Mr Howard.

Mr Rudd said: "Today the Australian people have decided that we as a nation will move forward."

The swing to Labor is so far more than 6% and analysts say it is on course for a clear majority in the 150-seat parliament for the first time since it lost to Mr Howard in 1996.

The BBC's Phil Mercer in Sydney says this is a humiliating defeat for Mr Howard and a day Labor has waited many years to see.

Its supporters are hoping Australia will become more compassionate under Kevin Rudd, our correspondent says.

Labor's environment spokesman, Peter Garrett, told the BBC Australia was on the brink of fundamental change.

"Australians have decided that they are going to throw out a government that has been delinquent on climate change, that has tried to recast our industrial relations laws, and which hasn't shown any capacity to measure up to the challenges of the 21st Century."

Allies

The pledge to pull 550 combat troops from Iraq in a phased withdrawal will concern the US, although the White House congratulated Mr Rudd on his victory.

"The United States and Australia have long been strong partners and allies and the president looks forward to working with this new government to continue our historic relationship," its statement read.

Mr Rudd stressed Australia would retain its close alliance with the US. However correspondents say relations may turn cooler.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown also congratulated Mr Rudd and pointed to the new prime minister's pledge to sign up to Kyoto.

There were few moments of cheer for the Liberals.

Former political journalist, Maxine McKew, is close to removing Mr Howard from Bennelong and make him the first sitting PM to lose his seat for 78 years.

Voters in Bennelong have elected Mr Howard in 13 consecutive elections over 33 years.

Mr Rudd is expected to be sworn in as prime minister next week.

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Aventinian · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 2:38 pm Post subject:

Eurgh. God help the Australians, he's a horrible chap.
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The resident pantomime villain.
'Socialists cry "Power to the people", and raise the clenched fist as they say it. We all know what they really mean—power over people, power to the State.'

Holebender · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 3:49 pm Post subject:

Not at all like Howard then?
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"My instinct is to agree with your opinion of his verse, but I've never so much as glanced at it." - agentmancuso

Aventinian · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:23 pm Post subject:

I thought Howard was a decent enough sort when he wasn't talking about immigration.
_________________
The resident pantomime villain.
'Socialists cry "Power to the people", and raise the clenched fist as they say it. We all know what they really mean—power over people, power to the State.'