Menuhaeo Welcomes Australia's First Female Prime Minister To World Stage

President hails 'historic achievement'


MAVOCKE--President Brenton Menuhaeo has congratulated Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, on her "historic achievement."

Collester released a statement Thursday afternoon, saying, "President Menuhaeo wishes to congratulate Julia Gillard on her historic achievement as Australia's first female prime minister, and wishes her success in governing one of the world's greatest democracies."

The statement went on to say, "President Menuhaeo is confident Prime Minister Gillard will continue to govern in a way that strengthens the special relationship between Australia and Grassadellia, and brings our two nations closer."

Collester Press Secretary Adam Kolbert said the President phoned Ms. Gillard Thursday morning to wish her congratulations. Collester also spoke of the former Prime Minister, saying "Kevin Rudd led Australia with strong personal conviction and a sense of service to his fellow Australians. President Menuhaeo thanks him for his service and wishes him the best of luck in this new chapter of his career."

Gillard ousted her former boss, Kevin Rudd, in a somewhat bloodless coup, after challenging him for the Australian Labour Party's leadership position and thus the prime ministership. Rudd, knowing he lacked support, decided to not oppose Gillard in a party leadership vote, and instead let his former deputy run unopposed.

In an emotional final speech before the media, Rudd listed his achievements, which included economic strength admist the global recession, work on infrastructure, eliminating the controversial "Work Choices" program, education, healthcare and a reconciliation and apology to the "stolen generations" of indigenous Australians.

"I was elected by the Australian people as prime minister of this country to bring back a fair go for all Australians and I have given my absolute best to do that, I've given it my absolute all," Rudd said in his final address.

Mr. Rudd was in power for just two and a half years, after his triumphant victory of former Prime Minister John Howard ended almost 12 years of the center-right Liberal Party's hold on power. His fall from office is the first time a first term prime minister has been removed from office.

Following Rudd's last speech, his successor, Gillard, made her first appearance in the House of Representatives, with Rudd sitting on the backbench in silence.

Gillard acknowledged her party's crisis of leadership, saying, "I accept that the government has lost track. We will get back on track. I have taken control for precisely that purpose."

Among her immediate priorities are opening up negotiations with the country's mining industry, which had been alienated by Rudd over new proposed restrictions and taxes. Gillard also said she will focus on energy and the economy.

The new prime minister will also be charged with declaring the country's next general election, which will happen "in coming months," though she did not specify exactly when.  Polls show the opposition Liberal Party and National Party coalition with the edge.