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Australia's first female prime minister

Thursday, June 24, 2010
 
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Photography by James Cant. Styling by Stav Hortis
Photography by James Cant. Styling by Stav Hortis
It's been one of the most controversial weeks in the Australian Labor Party's history. The sitting prime minister, Kevin Rudd, has been removed from power and replaced by his former right-hand woman, Julia Gillard.

Gillard had been frequently asked if she wanted the top job and always diplomatically spoke of her willingness to support the Labor Party and Rudd, deflecting any speculation of a leadership challenge.

In pictures: Julia Gillard's journey so far

But something changed yesterday and this morning a vote from the Labor caucus saw Julia Gillard elected unopposed as the new Prime Minister of Australia. Wayne Swan was elected Deputy Prime Minister while still looking after the Treasury portfolio.

Your say: Are you happy for Julia Gillard to be prime minister? Will you vote for her in the upcoming election? Can she lead the Labor party to victory? Share your thought below.

Related video Julia Gillard to call August election


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User comments
I am exceptionally happy that Julia is PM! She's doing a FANTASTIC job, and she inspires me HEAPS!!!! GO JG!
Australia can't stand her so please stop trying to make her something she is not. The poles are not being shoved in our faces because we all know what they are saying. Down the ladder you go bye bye julia. Bring on the election and end this rubbish.
I think Julia looks fantastic in the 'Weekly magazine shoot'. She is an extremely clever and passionate woman. I will be voting for her! The opposition and some media are trying to make an issue out of her not having children. I think people are forgetting the PM is passionate about 'Education, and Children'. Why? because she knows what a good education can do for people, setting them up for their future. Not just the rich, but the poor, they can all access a good education now. Julia wants to educate our children, the future leaders of this country, so we can compete on the global stage, be seen as a 'Clever' country, not a backwater. So, all you people out there who want to put her down for not being married or having children. Look what she has done and is continuing to do for our children. I bet you will all put your hand out for this opportunity.
By the look of most of these comments except for Sean Qld. most of you shouldn't be voting as your don't understand the Westminister System. The party elects the leader not the people.
I can't vote for a party which is lead by someone who had an affair in 2004 with a married man, Graig Emerson MP and that man pig of a man now sits in her cabinet. How they could do that to his poor wife and kids I will never undestand. He should have known better as he did take vows and she should have respected the sanctity of marriage and the numeber one rule of the sisterhood and that is you don't sleep with another woman's husband!
Labour introduced something simialiar years ago except they called it v.w.a to bypass strikes and keep the country working.We had no protection in regards on minmium wages we were often under paid at half the rate of of normal wages at least under workchoices we are paid properly and recieve some protection. I won't be voting for Gillard.
Prime ministers and presidents are just stooges who follow orders from above - international banking cartels. These people have less power than you and me - at least we can choose what we are gonna wear and eat tomorrow, these jokers can't even do that! They do everything they are told and just parrot speeches that are written for them to sell us a cover story or belief system. It is beyond belief that grown adults continue to cheer one phony, and boo the other every time they hold one of these so-called elections. You might as well believe in Santa Clause. Dear oh dear...
Anyone who votes Labour at the next election deserves all they have to lose. Im not hearing this question. Will the GST go up Under a Labour Government. I cant see how it wont....
She claims to be a Bulldogs Fan. But would have been more suited to Nth Melb. Would have fitted in well with Wayne in fitting up you supposed Best Mate (wife). That's the catergory Ms. Gillard and Master Swan fit into, Backstabbing, cheats and liars.
I will certainly vote for her. Couldn't be happier she is Prime Minister!

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