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Journalism of Courage
In a dramatic leadership ballot,Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was today ousted by her arch-rival Kevin Rudd as head of the ruling Labor Party,just three months ahead of the country8217;s general elections. 55-year-old Rudd staged the comeback by winning a caucus vote by 57 to 45,three years after Gillard toppled him in a similar showdown to become the first woman prime minister.
Gillard,a strong supporter of Indo-Australia ties who took personal initiative to reverse her party8217;s policy on uranium sale to India,said she would stand by a pledge to quit from politics following the defeat. 51-year-old Gillard confirmed she would not recontest her Victorian seat of Lalor in the forthcoming election. 8220;I will not recontest the federal electorate8230; at the forthcoming election,8221; she said.
It is unclear whether Rudd will stick to Gillard8217;s schedule of the September election or go for an earlier one. The earliest date Rudd can call an election for is August 3. Ahead of the ballot,Rudd said that tens of thousands of 8220;ordinary Australians8221; have been asking him to take back the leadership. Today8217;s leadership test was the third faced by Gillard since she took office in 2010. Rudd himself launched an unsuccessful challenge in early 2012,but was routed 71 votes to 31.
Then in March this year,senior Labor leader Simon Crean made a failed bis to reinstall Rudd who refused to stand and said at the time he would not challenge Gillard 8220;under any circumstances8221;. A major reshuffle of the cabinet is expected. Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan resigned after Rudd8217;s victory and was replaced by Rudd ally and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese in a second ballot.
