Kevin Rudd sworn in as Australian prime minister

[Vikrant]

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Kevin Rudd was sworn in as Australian prime minister on Thursday three years and three days after he was ousted from the same job in an internal government showdown.

His office could not immediately confirm whether Rudd would replace his predecessor Julia Gillard in a visit to Indonesia that had been scheduled for next week. Gillard was dumped Wednesday by colleagues spooked by the party's dismal opinion polling.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce commissioned Rudd within half an hour of Parliament resuming for what is likely to be its last day before elections.

"I will do my absolute best," Rudd told Bryce, whom he appointed governor-general when he was last prime minister.

Anthony Albanese was sworn in as deputy prime minister and Chris Bowen was sworn in as treasurer during the same ceremony. Rudd has yet say when he will announce his complete Cabinet after seven ministers resigned following Gillard's ouster.

Rudd faces a potential no-confidence vote in Parliament, which he will likely survive although a loss could trigger an election as early as Aug. 3.

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Kevin Rudd sworn in as Australian prime minister - Houston Chronicle

 

[ScienceRocks]

Will he increase funding in science????

 

[Noomi]

And the approval ratings are showing that Rudd is preferred Prime Minister, and the ALP and Liberal Parties are now neck and neck. Bringing back Rudd has made this into a real challenge, and a fight for Abbott.