Who Is Australia's New Prime Minister?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the political changes in Australia, particularly the leadership transitions among Prime Ministers, including Julia Gillard, Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott, and Malcolm Turnbull. It touches on the implications of these changes for the Australian government and political landscape, as well as public sentiment regarding these events.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Julia Gillard was ousted as leader of the Labor Party, leading to Kevin Rudd's return as Prime Minister, with elections anticipated in the near future.
  • Some participants express frustration with the frequency of leadership changes in Australia, comparing it humorously to personal habits.
  • A perspective on Gillard's political career suggests that her downfall was tied to poor polling and inability to effectively communicate her government's successes.
  • Discussion of the recent national elections indicates that Tony Abbott's conservative party has gained power, with implications for future policies.
  • Participants note the rapid succession of Prime Ministers in Australia, with references to historical context and comparisons to other countries like Italy.
  • Malcolm Turnbull's ascension to Prime Minister is mentioned, along with speculation about the political direction under his leadership.
  • Comments on Abbott's resignation method and the political dynamics surrounding it are shared, highlighting the contentious nature of Australian politics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions regarding the implications of these leadership changes, with no clear consensus on the effectiveness or future outcomes of the new leadership. Multiple competing views remain regarding the political landscape and public sentiment.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects ongoing political instability and public dissatisfaction with leadership in Australia, with various assumptions about the potential impact of new leaders on policy and governance.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in Australian politics, political leadership dynamics, and the implications of frequent government changes may find this discussion relevant.

StevieTNZ
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http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10893262

Due to an announced Ballot vote for leader of Labour (spelt Labor in Australia) by Julia Gillard yesterday, when the votes were cast she was oust as leader, and Kevin Rudd (who she previously ousted and replaced) is now Prime Minister (or officially PM when the Governor-General swears him in).

However, elections are due to be held in either August or September.
 
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at this rate, soon the aussies will be changing PM's more frequently than I change my socks.
 
wukunlin said:
at this rate, soon the aussies will be changing PM's more frequently than I change my socks.

And thus it's explained how, in their quest for a stable government, the entire population of a large continent developed a dreadful case of foot fungus.
 
It's embarrassing, the state of politics in this country, I don't even know what to think. >.<
 
The political tragedy of Julia Gillard
by Shaun Carney

https://theconversation.com/the-political-tragedy-of-julia-gillard-15588

Interesting perspective -
"If the events of the past few days are to have any meaning, they need to be seen in the context of wha...t has happened to the Government since early 2010. First things first: Julia Gillard’s downfall as prime minister is one of the greatest personal tragedies in Australian politics. It is a tragedy because Gillard’s ambition ultimately exceeded her political talent, and to the very end she would not see it."
 
The reason for Gillard's demise was simple. She was getting annihilated in the polls and Labor was facing a wipeout of epic proportions; such that it would have given the right-wing party here (Liberal-National coalition) carte blanche to do whatever they please after the next election due this year - which include some very dumb policies which will probably be very bad for this country.

Having Rudd at the helm is no guarantee for Labor victory in the next election. However, the polls suggest that victory to the Lib/Nats, if it happens, will be marginal, and so will leave the unable to claim mandates to implement their (non) policies.

Gillards ultimate failure was that she couldn't "sell" the successes of her government. She let a hyper-negative opposition gain traction on her leadership that she never managed to shake off (even with her net-famous mysogyny speech). History will judge Gillard more kindly in hindsight; being the first female PM in Australia is no small feat.

Claude.
 
Astronuc said:
Australia just had their national elections. The conservatives lead by Tony Abbott were swept into power.

Conservative leader Abbott sweeps into power in Australian elections
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/07/us-australia-election-idUSBRE98503J20130907
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24000133

So it would appear that Abbott will replace Rudd as PM.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2013/results/senate/

As mentioned in this thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=709241

http://www.pm.gov.au/

Kevin Rudd is still Prime Minister in the caretaker Government (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caretaker_government), until the new Government Ministers are sworn in and a new Parliament session is opened.
 
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Two years later - Liberal Party ousts Australian PM Abbott for more moderate rival
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia's ruling conservatives ousted beleaguered Prime Minister Tony Abbott as party leader Monday evening in a change that could signal a different Australian response to climate change and allow for a more moderate agenda that could include recognition of gay marriage.
. . .
Turnbull will become Australia's fourth prime minister in just over two years when he is sworn in on Tuesday.
Julia Gillard was PM from 2010-2013, Kevin Rudd briefly in 2013, then Abbott 2013-2015, and now Turnbull.

http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/primeministers/
 
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  • #13
Yeah, I was just kidding a friend of mine from down under that, politically, Australia is beginning to look like Italy.
 
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Saw on TV last night breaking news that Turnbull was contesting the leadership of the Liberal Party. I guess he was successful in the party room ballot.

EDIT: now he just needs to be sworn in as Prime Minister, by the Governor-General. I wonder where Abbott will be sitting today, if he turns up to Parliament: back-bench, Ministerial post? Will watch question time today.
 
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  • #16
A monarchist with a penchant for dames and knights, it is interesting that Mr Abbott chose to fax his notice of resignation rather than to visit Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-polit...-abbott-resigned-via-fax-20150916-gjnmz5.html

Turnbull issues effusive praise for Abbott. Nice speech by Bill Shorten.SMH - Malcolm Turnbull cabinet reshuffle for a '21st century' team
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-polit...ers-in-21st-century-team-20150920-gjqugi.html

The Age - First Malcolm Turnbull stole Bill Shorten's biggest asset. Now he's taken something else
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-po...hes-taken-something-else-20150920-gjqzji.html
 
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