Rudd sworn in as PM
Kevin Rudd has been officially sworn in as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister in a ceremony that took more than an hour.
After it was finished, the new ministry posed for photographs on the steps of Government House before joining their families for a light lunch.
The ministers then headed back to Parliament House for a full ministerial meeting, expected to begin about 2pm.
In the ceremony, Governor-General Michael Jeffery invited Mr Rudd to take the executive oath, effectively ending John Howard’s reign as prime minister.
Watched by his wife Therese Rein, their three children – Jessica, Nicholas and Marcus – sister Loree and son-in-law Albert Tse, Mr Rudd’s hand shook slightly as he read the oath.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard was also sworn in as her partner Tim Mathieson and her sister Alison looked on.
The families hugged and embraced afterwards before Mr Rudd, Ms Gillard and Major-General Jeffery joined the other members of the new Executive Council for a meeting.
The remaining 18 cabinet ministers, 10 outer ministers and 12 parliamentary secretaries were to be sworn in from 10.30am.
The formalities took place with Mr Rudd holding a copy of the Bible.
"I must … formally ask you for your assurance that you have been elected leader of the party holding the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, that you can form a government and that you will have confidence of the House of Representatives,” Major-General Jeffery said.
Mr Rudd replied: "Your Excellency I’m pleased to advise you that we have such a position and provide you with that assurance.”
Major-General Jeffery said: "In that case I’ll now accept the resignation of the Honourable Prime Minister John Howard which has the effect of terminating all the appointments of the former government.
"By the powers conferred on me by the constitution, I’m therefore pleased to swear you in as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister.”
Source smh.com.au | link posted by Anim Anamika
