Labor Takes Australian Elections

New Aussie PM faces inflationary risks in boom times

(NEWSER) - New Aussie PM Kevin Rudd inherits a booming economy, but that doesn't mean it's going to be an easy ride for his center-left government, the Wall Street Journal warns. Demand for Australia's natural resources is feverish and inflation is already uncomfortably high. Rudd has vowed to pump about $48 billion into benefits and tax cuts for Australians, which could seriously overheat the already torrid economy. More»

Likely winner of Saturday's election will take troops from Iraq

(NEWSER) - Australians elect a new government this Saturday, and polls foresee the fall of John Howard, the once-invincible prime minister who has served for 11 years. Kevin Rudd, the Labor Party leader 20 years Howard's junior, has promised to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq and to "shift up a gear" as the Australian economic miracle recedes. With days to go, Howard continues to warn that a Labor win would slow the country's economic boom. More»

(NEWSER) - Prime Minister John Howard, trailing in national polls after 11 years in office, set national elections today for Nov. 24. Howard will run on the nation’s current economic boom, Reuters reports. His opponent, Labor leader Kevin Rudd, says he'll pull Australian troops out of Iraq, though domestic issues are expected to dominate at the polls. More»

Gillard takes charge after party dumps Rudd

(NEWSER) - Julia Gillard has become Australia's first prime minister after a revolt within the ruling Labor Party ousted Kevin Rudd. Rudd—who led the party to a landslide victory less than 3 years ago—got the heave-ho from lawmakers worried that his growing unpopularity would cause Labor to lose power in elections expected this October, the AP reports. More»

New leader says combat forces will be home by mid-2008

(NEWSER) - Australia’s new leader says the nation's combat troops will be out of Iraq by mid-2008, the Guardian reports. Kevin Rudd will make good on a campaign promise to pull out troops, a move that marks a sharp shift from the polices of his predecessor, John Howard, a key Bush ally. Rudd will meet the US ambassador soon to discuss the pullout. More»