Australia’s first female Prime Minister opposed to same-sex marriage
| 24 June 2010
Julia Gillard will become Australia's first female prime minister after Kevin Rudd decided not to take part in a leadership ballot this morning.
The change in leadership was decided shortly after 9am this morning after Rudd stood aside to avoid defeat rather than face off with Gillard in the leadership ballot.
"I feel very honoured and I will be making a full statement very shortly," Gillard said to the media as she left the party room.
Rudd did not answer questions from the media as he left the meeting but returned shortly after to address the press. Fighting back tears, an emotional Rudd said he had "given it my all" and vowed to stay on and fight for the re-election of Labor at the next election.
Rudd outlined a list of his achievements as Prime Minister which included Australia avoiding the worst of the global financial crisis, abolishing Work Choices, making major reforms to health care, and delivery of infrastructure like the national broadband network.
"What I am less proud of is the fact that I have now blubbered," he joked.
Replacing Gillard as Deputy Prime Minister is Wayne Swan who took the position in an uncontested ballot. Swan will also continue to serve as Treasurer.
Gillard will address the media this afternoon prior to being sworn in as prime minister by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
What will the change of leadership mean for the GLBTQI community?
In an interview with Sky News political editor David Speers in July last year, Gillard made her feelings on same-sex marriage clear.
"The Government’s position is very clear that marriage is marriage between a man and a woman," Gillard told Speers at the time.
Further questioning from Speers prompted Gillard to reveal her personal view on same-sex marriage was the same as the government’s standpoint.
How do you think Gillard will perform in the role of Prime Minister?
Pictured: New Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and New Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan shortly after this morning's leadership ballot. Photo: Getty Images
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