Oakeshott: Are you worthy, Kev?

Kevin Rudd has regained the Labor leadership, three years after he lost it. Source: News Limited

KEVIN Rudd said he resumes the task he began in 2007 "with humility" and he praised the "extraordinary intelligence" of Julia Gillard who had been "a remarkable reformer."

Mr Rudd said his role is "to forge consensus wherever I can" and to rid the national debate of the vitriol which he says has characterised this parliament.

"In recent years politics has failed the Australian people. There's just been too much negativity all around," he said.

IN PICTURES: Kevin Rudd wins Labor spill

"I intend to lead a government that brings people together and gets the best out of them," he said.

Mr Rudd told young people he understood why they have switched off politics, but he now asks them to re-engage.

"We need you, we need your ideas, we need your enthusiasm," he said.

Julia Gillard visited Governor-General Quentin Bryce to ask her to commission Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister after she lost the Labor leadership.

"In view of his election I have written to the Governor-General asking her to commission Mr Rudd as Prime Minister," Ms Gillard said.

Following her defeat, Ms Gillard confirmed she would not contest the safe seat of Lalor at the 2013 election and has nominated the NDIS, carbon tax and Gonski reforms as key achievements of her minority government.

She said she was "proud" to be the nation's first female prime minister and despite the attacks she says she suffered, she thinks over time it will get easier for women to hold the top job.

"It will be easier for the next woman, and the woman after that and the woman after that. And I am proud of that," she said.

Earlier this evening, Kevin Rudd regained the job he lost to Ms Gillard, three years and three days to the day he was forced out by a leadership ballot.

He won the ballot 57- 45 votes and it is understood he will call an August election.

Treasurer and Deputy Leader Wayne Swan quit the frontbench and Anthony Albanese was elected in his place.

In his outgoing speech, Mr Swan said it was a "privilege"to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer.

Craig Emerson, Joe Ludwig and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy have quit. Penny Wong has been elected as the new Labor leader in the Senate, a position previously held by Mr Conroy with Jacinta Collins as deputy. Dr Emerson also said he will not contest the next election.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has resigned.

Peter Garrett has also quit and will not contest the seat of Kingsford-Smith at the election.

Julia Gillard said she was proud of the NDIS and carbon tax. Picture: Kym Smith

Returning Officer Chris Hayes said the meeting was quite sombre but people were glad the issue was resolved.

The Governor-General is tonight seeking high-level advice before confirming Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister for the second time.

News Limited has learned that Ms Bryce was waiting to meet with the Acting Solicitor-General to discuss the constitutional impact of the leadership change before agreeing to commission Mr Rudd.

It is understood Ms Gillard is scheduled to travel the short distance to Government House to resign her office at prime minister.

But Ms Bryce will examine the resignation letter before seeking legal advice. Once satisfied she is expected to invite Mr Rudd to form government.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has warned Coalition MPs about getting too comfortable.

He warned his colleagues against getting "too cocky'' following the leadership change, according to one MP.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard calls for a ballot tonight to determine the leadership of the Labor Party. Courtesy: Sky News

GOVENOR GENERAL SEEKS ADVICE ON RUDD RETURN

HOW DID WE GET HERE

KEV'S TO DO LIST

RUDD SUPPORTERS SOUND OUT WILKIE, CROOK

RUDD'S ATTACK OF THE BLUES

COALITION READY TO FIGHT RUDD

WINDSOR EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS

ONE AMIGO LEFT STANDING

RUDD HAS THE NUMBERS: SUPPORTERS

KATTER BACKS RUDD

WINDSOR AND OAKESHOTT CALL IT A DAY

PM'S STRATEGY TO EXPOSE ENEMIES

###

23.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nannycam captures shocking home invasion

A shocking US home invasion has been captured on nanny cam. Courtesy GDNY FOX FIVE

THIS is the frightening moment a mother was brutally attacked in a violent home invasion while her three-year-old daughter looked on and her young baby slept upstairs.

The woman, from Millburn, New Jersey was watching television last Friday night when the intruder kicked down her door and began violently assaulting her.

The entire attack, which lasted more than ten minutes, was caught on the home's nannycam and police now hope the footage will lead to an arrest.

The footage shows the woman being repeatedly punched and choked in front her daughter.

At one point, he leaves the woman alone as he goes upstairs and steals her jewellery, before coming back downstairs to continue his brutal attack.

"The brutality in front of my daughter, she saw the whole thing," she told Fox5.

The woman was taken to hospital suffering leg and facial injuries.

Police were hunting for a black man around 180cms tall and weighing about 110kg.

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23.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Charges laid over racist bus attack

The woman, who police have expressed interest, sitting behind the boys claiming the pair are blocking her view. Source: Supplied

In a screen grab of the video, the bus driver confronts the woman and asks her to stop swearing. Source: Supplied

THE woman allegedly at the centre of last month's verbal racial attack on a young boy on a Sydney bus has been identified and charged, according to police.

While no complaint was formally lodged by the victim or his family, police were so horrified at the "disturbing" footage they sought the woman after an intensive search spanning nearly three weeks.

The 55-year-old woman, who lives in Sydney's inner west, was charged shortly after 5pm yesterday and issued with a field court attendance for offensive language under the summary offences act.

"This type of [alleged] racial abuse, especially where young children are involved, is completely deplorable and will not be tolerated. With the communities support, we will put a stop to these unacceptable acts," Commander, Police Transport Command, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.

The woman will face a Burwood court in August.

"It's not f---ing right. Sit the f--- down. Get a passport bro," she says in the video. "I'm born here, I know what I'm doing. Go back on your f---ing boat and f--- off".

Bankstown Police Transport Command Inspector Robert Danks confirmed to news.com.au yesterday police were looking into the case and indicated they had identified the woman.

Officers of the Transport Command questioned the woman yeserday afternoon and subsequently charged her.

According to one police source things were "moving very quickly".

The officer was so appalled by what he had seen he said: "If I was in charge I'd have a couple of blokes to go out and charge her immediately.

"This message just won't be tolerated".

The maximum penalty for an offensive conduct charge is three months imprisonment.

A State Transit spokesman confirmed they were assisting police with their investigations into the matter.

"It is pleasing they have made progress," he told news.com.au.

"We expect all passengers to respect each other and comply with basic common courtesy when travelling on buses.

"Should anyone experience any anti-social behaviour, such as racial abuse, they can approach the bus driver who may try to intervene and ask the offending passenger to leave the bus. If required, the driver can contact a supervisor via radio and organise for police to meet the bus."

Police leads intensified after a public appeal for assistance to locate the woman was released last Friday.

"About 3.30pm on 17 April 2013, a woman was involved in a verbal confrontation with a school student on a State Transit Authority (STA) bus route number M41 travelling through Burwood," it reads.

"Police from the Police Transport Command are investigating the incident and have today released an image of a woman they believe may be able to assist them with their inquiries.

"The woman depicted is described as being caucasian in appearance, about 50 years of age, with long light brown hair in a bun, with a tattoo on her upper back of medium build. She is shown wearing a black crochet jumper."

In an email forwarded to news.com.au, Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian described her "concern" about the incident with a frustrated citizen.

"Whether it is on public transport or not, racism is never acceptable," she wrote.

"It is an offence for bus customers to use obscene, offensive or abusive language."

She continues to say it is responsibility of the bus driver to ask customers to cease with unacceptable behaviour in the case an incident like this occurs.

"If customers do not comply, the bus driver may ask them to leave the bus. If necessary, the bus driver may seek help from State Transit's Network Control Centre to contact police.

"As Minister for Transport, I am very keen to make sure all public transport is as safe as possible."

After a string of abuses on public transport Minister Berejiklian announced the launch of the Police Transport Command last February.

The Command saw NSW Police Force take full control over security of the entire public transport network - including trains, ferries and buses - and launched May last year.

The new command will see 610 dedicated police officers allocated to patrol trains, buses and ferries by the end of 2014.

"This was a decision about safety and what is in the best interest of the travelling public," said Minister Berejiklian.

"Safety and security is one of the key concerns of customers, and there is nothing more reassuring than a high visibility, high profile police presence on trains, buses and ferries.

"Only police have police powers."

Inspector Danks urged victims and witnesses on incidents on public transport to contact the police during or immediately after the incident.

"My advice would be to somehow contact the police so they could stop the fight.

"Video footage helps us at court but we don't want to put anyone in a position of jeopardy."

"We wouldn't have known about it if it wasn't for the media," said Inspector Danks.

In February, ABC News presenter Jeremy Fernandez was kicked off a Sydney bus after enduring 15-minutes of verbal racial taunts.

More recently, Perth commuters have shamed a passenger who refused to remove her bags from a seat to allow a pregnant woman to sit down.

In one of the most shocking instances seen yet, video emerged of teens pouring an energy drink over a man on a Melbourne Metro train.

Continue the conversation via Twitter @newscomauHQ | @the_mattyoung

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23.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Our guide to leadership spill

Tony Windsor announces he won't run again at the next election. Source: Supplied

A LOT has happened in Canberra today, so we've pulled together this quick guide to the unfolding leadership crisis. Here's everything you need to know to get up to speed.

1. There will be a leadership spill at 7pm AEST

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced there will be a leadership ballot at 7pm.

It comes after a petition for leadership vote was circulated among Labor MPs throughout the day.

Rudd backers did not expect the spill to be so early. "We expect it tomorrow," a Rudd supporter said this morning.

2. But will he win?

This morning, senior Rudd allies said they were confident the former PM had the numbers to seize the Labor leadership. But at this stage, it's impossible to predict where the numbers would fall.

Political commentators Graham Richardson and Peter Van Onselen believe it's Rudd's to lose. All we know is that several Labor MPs have moved into the former prime minister's column.

3. Why tonight?

It always had to be today or tomorrow.

Rudd is off on a trip to China tomorrow afternoon for a conference and it's the last week that Parliament is sitting before the election.

Mr Rudd's office confirmed to news.com.au this afternoon that he is still headed overseas.

4. But there's a constitutional catch

Even if Rudd takes over, the Governor-General Quentin Bryce may ask Rudd to test his parliamentary majority with a vote. And the support might not be there.

Independent MP Tony Windsor said this morning that if Rudd becomes leader he may support the "second place getter" at the last election: Tony Abbott.

Mr Windsor and fellow independent Rob Oakeshott gave Ms Gillard the numbers to form a minority government after the 2010 election.

"If the Labor Party can't get its mess together, there may be a scenario where ... Tony Abbott, may in fact receive my vote," he told reporters in Canberra today.

"If it came back to the house, to test the confidence, I wouldn't guarantee the challenger that it would naturally flow that my support would be that way."

It's not clear where the other independents stand on a Rudd government. Rob Oakeshott won't say if he would change his mind. Bob Katter, the akubra-wearing North Queensland MP, said this morning he would back a Rudd Labor Government and then said the opposite on Twitter.

Andrew Wilkie, another independent, said he had an "open mind".

5. Hey, what happens to the loser?

Both contenders have pledged to quit politics if they lose.

Continue the conversation on Twitter: @drpiotrowski @newscomauHQ

23.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: KRudd's odds suddenly Shorten

Kevin Rudd has regained the Labor leadership, three years after he lost it. Source: News Limited

KEVIN Rudd said he resumes the task he began in 2007 "with humility" and he praised the "extraordinary intelligence" of Julia Gillard who had been "a remarkable reformer."

Mr Rudd said his role is "to forge consensus wherever I can" and to rid the national debate of the vitriol which he says has characterised this parliament.

"In recent years politics has failed the Australian people. There's just been too much negativity all around," he said.

IN PICTURES: Kevin Rudd wins Labor spill

"I intend to lead a government that brings people together and gets the best out of them," he said.

Mr Rudd told young people he understood why they have switched off politics, but he now asks them to re-engage.

"We need you, we need your ideas, we need your enthusiasm," he said.

Julia Gillard visited Governor-General Quentin Bryce to ask her to commission Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister after she lost the Labor leadership.

"In view of his election I have written to the Governor-General asking her to commission Mr Rudd as Prime Minister," Ms Gillard said.

Following her defeat, Ms Gillard confirmed she would not contest the safe seat of Lalor at the 2013 election and has nominated the NDIS, carbon tax and Gonski reforms as key achievements of her minority government.

She said she was "proud" to be the nation's first female prime minister and despite the attacks she says she suffered, she thinks over time it will get easier for women to hold the top job.

"It will be easier for the next woman, and the woman after that and the woman after that. And I am proud of that," she said.

Earlier this evening, Kevin Rudd regained the job he lost to Ms Gillard, three years and three days to the day he was forced out by a leadership ballot.

He won the ballot 57- 45 votes and it is understood he will call an August election.

Treasurer and Deputy Leader Wayne Swan quit the frontbench and Anthony Albanese was elected in his place.

In his outgoing speech, Mr Swan said it was a "privilege"to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer.

Craig Emerson, Joe Ludwig and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy have quit. Penny Wong has been elected as the new Labor leader in the Senate, a position previously held by Mr Conroy with Jacinta Collins as deputy. Dr Emerson also said he will not contest the next election.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has resigned.

Peter Garrett has also quit and will not contest the seat of Kingsford-Smith at the election.

Julia Gillard said she was proud of the NDIS and carbon tax. Picture: Kym Smith

Returning Officer Chris Hayes said the meeting was quite sombre but people were glad the issue was resolved.

The Governor-General is tonight seeking high-level advice before confirming Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister for the second time.

News Limited has learned that Ms Bryce was waiting to meet with the Acting Solicitor-General to discuss the constitutional impact of the leadership change before agreeing to commission Mr Rudd.

It is understood Ms Gillard is scheduled to travel the short distance to Government House to resign her office at prime minister.

But Ms Bryce will examine the resignation letter before seeking legal advice. Once satisfied she is expected to invite Mr Rudd to form government.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has warned Coalition MPs about getting too comfortable.

He warned his colleagues against getting "too cocky'' following the leadership change, according to one MP.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard calls for a ballot tonight to determine the leadership of the Labor Party. Courtesy: Sky News

GOVENOR GENERAL SEEKS ADVICE ON RUDD RETURN

HOW DID WE GET HERE

KEV'S TO DO LIST

RUDD SUPPORTERS SOUND OUT WILKIE, CROOK

RUDD'S ATTACK OF THE BLUES

COALITION READY TO FIGHT RUDD

WINDSOR EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS

ONE AMIGO LEFT STANDING

RUDD HAS THE NUMBERS: SUPPORTERS

KATTER BACKS RUDD

WINDSOR AND OAKESHOTT CALL IT A DAY

PM'S STRATEGY TO EXPOSE ENEMIES

###

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

How the Labor crisis unfolded

Will she turn up? Prime Minister Julia Gillard during House of Representatives question time on June 24, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

THIS morning Australia woke up with Julia Gillard as Prime Minister. Tomorrow, depending upon constitutional matters, we may have a new one: Kevin Rudd.

It was the crisis that's been percolating for months. The great Chicken Kev fizzer of March - where Simon Crean attempted to politically suicide bomb Julia Gillard's leadership - did little to clear the air.

The cmatter had to be dealt with this week as parliament will rise at the end of the week until after the election campaign.

Talk of a leadership spill began in earnest today after it was revealed this morning that Rudd backers were circulating a petition calling for a special Caucus meeting to be held.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a decision to call a spill mid-to-late this afternoon in an interview with Sky News.

"(The ballot is) in the best interests of the nation and the best interests of the Labor Party," Ms Gillard said.

The Prime Minister laid down a tough set of rules for the ballot, which Mr Rudd has accepted: "If you win you should be Labor leader, if you lose you should retire from politics."

LABOR LEADERSHIP LIVE: JULIA GILLARD OR KEVIN RUDD?

ANALYSIS: WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING - EXPLAINED

On Twitter they were being called "Thunderdome" rules and she was being compared to a do-or-die wrestler.

Earlier, an action-packed Question Time came to an end, with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott demanding Ms Gillard announce an early election.

Ms Gillard did not directly respond to Mr Abbott's questions: "I can assure the Australian people I am getting on with the job," she said.

Mr Abbott invoked Ms Gillard's historic status as the country's first female head of Government in his speech to Parliament decrying the party's apparent leadership woes.

"We all wished the Prime Minister well when she came into office on the 24th of June 2010," he said. "I was very conscious, as the father of three daughters."

"I was conscious of the significance of the occasion - while I deeply regret it."

Read our rolling coverage of today's parliamentary sitting below.

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd smiles as he sits in parliament during question time. Picture: AAP

EARLIER LIVE QUESTION TIME UPDATES:

3.31pm : The leadership situation is fluid.

Both Rudd and Gillard supporters believe they have the votes, says Sky News political editor David Speers.

Here's News Ltd Sunday papers political editor Samantha Maiden's take. She points out that we still haven't heard directly from Kevin Rudd.

3.22pm: The Speaker has welcomed her mum to the House. Not a bad day to visit.

3.20pm: What's happening? The House is voting on an Opposition motion to suspend standing orders. (UPDATED: The motion failed to pass.)

3.15pm: Abbott's leadership speech was a good move for him, writes Malcolm Farr.

Anthony Albanese is still rattling off positive statistics about the Government's management of the economy.

"He has to stand up and put forward his alternative vision," he said.

3.12pm: Labor's Leader of the House Anthony Albanese says Tony Abbott trying to suspend standing orders is the "longest dummy spit" in Australian political history.

Meanwhile, national political reporter Patrick Lion points out Abbott was talking to one person during his speech: you.

3.10pm: "Lady Macbeth"... "the hunter has become the hunted..." ... "Madame DeMarge..."

Abbott frontbencher Christopher Pyne is throwing around some flowery metaphors in condemnation of Julia Gillard.

3.00pm: Abbott has brought up his daughters while discussing Prime Minister Julia Gillard's leadership.

"We all wished the Prime Minister well when she came into office on the 24th of June 2010," he said. "I was very conscious as the father of three daughters.

"I was conscious of the significance of the occasion, while I deeply regret it... Nevertheless I thought it was an opportunity for our country."

2.57pm: Tony Abbott is hammering away at the Prime Minister, demanding parliamentary standing orders be suspended.

"No one is interested in the proceedings of this Parliament," he announced - only what Labor wheelers and dealers are doing in the backrooms. "Let's bring on the election."

2:50pm: FINALLY. A question about the leadership - and today's events.

Tony Abbott took the stand and asked, given the crisis: "Will (the PM) bring forward the election date to August the 3rd and ask the people who should run our country?"

Prime Minister Gillard said to that: "Thank you very much, and to the Leader of theOpposition's questions, it's a pity he didn't listen to some of the answers from earlier in Question Time.

"I can assure the Australian people I am getting on with the job. That is what the Government is doing.

"That's why I can come into Parliament today to say we have legislated a system to improve school funding," Ms Gillard said. She then continued to discuss the Government's achievements with the Gonski laws.

2.48pm: Kevin's STILL headed to China tomorrow, our political editor Malcolm Farr says. Think the Prime Minister might want him to stay there.

2.42pm: Meanwhile, Lanai Scarr has noticed a few suspicious departures from the House: key members of the Kevin Rudd fan club.

2.40pm: If you were an alien tuning in to Question Time from Outer Space today, you probably wouldn't realise there's actually something going on behind the scenes. Here's our explainer about the leadership crisis.

2.35pm: The Prime Minister has shown no signs of being under stress today, despite the leadership crisis. This isn't the first time she's faced a spill.

ABC political correspondent Latika Bourke is mystified about what's really happening.

Meanwhile, the PM says the Victorian Premier has written to her about the Gonski reforms, which have passed the Senate and will be placed into law.

2.30pm: It's clear there's some wheeling and dealing occurring while the Prime Minister answers questions about education reforms, lakes and climate change.

Joel Fitzgibbon, one of Rudd's most prominent supporters, has just handed Rudd a piece of paper. Rudd has otherwise been tapping away on his iPad, Lanai Scarr reports.

2.25pm: Disgraced ex-Labor MP Craig Thomson has stood up to ask the PM about the state of the Tuggerah Lakes on the central coast of NSW.

2.24pm: The Herald Sun's political editor, Phil Hudson, says key Rudd backer Joel Fitzgibbon has arrived and is having a deep-and-meaningful chat with retiring MP Tony Windsor.

2.22pm: Sophie Mirabella, a Victorian Liberal MP, asks another question about the carbon tax. News.com.au understands the temperature has risen quite a bit on the Labor side of the House.

2.19pm: Not a single mention of the leadership crisis so far. Right now the Treasurer is being asked about what the Government has done to support jobs.

MORE: WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN FEDERAL POLITICS?

News Limited columnist Peter Van Onselen says talk of a 9am Labor caucus meeting is an attempt to expose Rudd supporters.

2.14pm: Our political editor Malcolm Farr says he can't see key Rudd supporters in the House, including Joel Fitzgibbon, who is well known to be in the former PM's corner.

Daryl Melham, another Rudd backer, is also absent from the chamber.

2.11pm: Bill Shorten has his head in papers on the front bench, Lanai Scarr reports. Wonder what he's thinking.

LIVE UPDATES: RUDD GETS READY FOR SHOWDOWN

2.09pm: "I remind the Prime Minister of her promise before the election that there will be no carbon tax under the Government I need..." Tony Abbott continues to hammer away on the issue. On that issue we're all thinking about, well, the silence is deafening.

2.07pm: Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has asked a question about the effects of the carbon price. We didn't expect that.

2:05pm (all times AEST): Prime Minister Julia Gillard has taken the stand in Parliament to discuss Yirrkala bark petitions. She did not mention the Labor leadership fiasco. Kevin Rudd is present.

Awkward: It's Question Time in Parliament this afternoon. Meanwhile, MPs backing Kevin Rudd are circulating a petition for a fresh leadership challenge against Julia Gillard. LIVE UPDATES HERE.

You can cut the tension in the air with a knife.

Thank you very much Speaker. I remind members of an important anniversary in coming weeks. Early in 1963.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: KRudd praises Gillard

Kevin Rudd has regained the Labor leadership, three years after he lost it. Source: News Limited

KEVIN Rudd said he resumes the task he began in 2007 "with humility" and he praised the "extraordinary intelligence" of Julia Gillard who had been "a remarkable reformer."

Mr Rudd said his role is "to forge consensus wherever I can" and to rid the national debate of the vitriol which he says has characterised this parliament.

"In recent years politics has failed the Australian people. There's just been too much negativity all around," he said.

IN PICTURES: Kevin Rudd wins Labor spill

"I intend to lead a government that brings people together and gets the best out of them," he said.

Mr Rudd told young people he understood why they have switched off politics, but he now asks them to re-engage.

"We need you, we need your ideas, we need your enthusiasm," he said.

Julia Gillard visited Governor-General Quentin Bryce to ask her to commission Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister after she lost the Labor leadership.

"In view of his election I have written to the Governor-General asking her to commission Mr Rudd as Prime Minister," Ms Gillard said.

Following her defeat, Ms Gillard confirmed she would not contest the safe seat of Lalor at the 2013 election and has nominated the NDIS, carbon tax and Gonski reforms as key achievements of her minority government.

She said she was "proud" to be the nation's first female prime minister and despite the attacks she says she suffered, she thinks over time it will get easier for women to hold the top job.

"It will be easier for the next woman, and the woman after that and the woman after that. And I am proud of that," she said.

Earlier this evening, Kevin Rudd regained the job he lost to Ms Gillard, three years and three days to the day he was forced out by a leadership ballot.

He won the ballot 57- 45 votes and it is understood he will call an August election.

Treasurer and Deputy Leader Wayne Swan quit the frontbench and Anthony Albanese was elected in his place.

In his outgoing speech, Mr Swan said it was a "privilege"to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer.

Craig Emerson, Joe Ludwig and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy have quit. Penny Wong has been elected as the new Labor leader in the Senate, a position previously held by Mr Conroy with Jacinta Collins as deputy. Dr Emerson also said he will not contest the next election.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has resigned.

Peter Garrett has also quit and will not contest the seat of Kingsford-Smith at the election.

Julia Gillard said she was proud of the NDIS and carbon tax. Picture: Kym Smith

Returning Officer Chris Hayes said the meeting was quite sombre but people were glad the issue was resolved.

The Governor-General is tonight seeking high-level advice before confirming Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister for the second time.

News Limited has learned that Ms Bryce was waiting to meet with the Acting Solicitor-General to discuss the constitutional impact of the leadership change before agreeing to commission Mr Rudd.

It is understood Ms Gillard is scheduled to travel the short distance to Government House to resign her office at prime minister.

But Ms Bryce will examine the resignation letter before seeking legal advice. Once satisfied she is expected to invite Mr Rudd to form government.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has warned Coalition MPs about getting too comfortable.

He warned his colleagues against getting "too cocky'' following the leadership change, according to one MP.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard calls for a ballot tonight to determine the leadership of the Labor Party. Courtesy: Sky News

GOVENOR GENERAL SEEKS ADVICE ON RUDD RETURN

HOW DID WE GET HERE

KEV'S TO DO LIST

RUDD SUPPORTERS SOUND OUT WILKIE, CROOK

RUDD'S ATTACK OF THE BLUES

COALITION READY TO FIGHT RUDD

WINDSOR EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS

ONE AMIGO LEFT STANDING

RUDD HAS THE NUMBERS: SUPPORTERS

KATTER BACKS RUDD

WINDSOR AND OAKESHOTT CALL IT A DAY

PM'S STRATEGY TO EXPOSE ENEMIES

###

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM to announce election referendum

AUSTRALIANS will be asked to vote in a referendum on changing the constitution at the September federal election.

The Gillard government will on Thursday announce the vote on recognising local government in the constitution will also be held on September 14.

The move, recommended by a parliamentary committee, comes after a recent successful High Court challenge to the federal government's school chaplaincy program put in doubt other federally funded schemes.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard last night called on Australians to back the changes, saying local government was not mentioned in the constitution, despite everyone using its services often jointly funded with Canberra.

She said the draft legislation and the proposed words would be released shortly.

"We are asking the Australian people to support a small but important change to our constitution so that the existing practice of Federal Government support for local communities is formally recognised in our constitution," she said.

"In just the last five years, the Commonwealth has partnered with local government to deliver over 6000 community projects such as libraries, indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, pools, walking trails, roads and bridges, in every single community."

The referendum may be uncomfortable for Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, following recent reports several in his party room oppose his in-principle support for it.

It was feared the extra task for voters may muddy normal election voting.

It has also been speculated that two states, Victoria and Western Australia, may campaign against the move over fears it would diminish the role of the states.

Ms Gillard said that "the change will not diminish the role of the states with regard to the administration of local government. Recognition in the constitution does not alter the fact that local governments are created by and are accountable to state governments".

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Sea monster' found on NZ beach

A mysterious corpse that resembles a prehistoric 'sea monster' washed ashore in New Zealand. Picture: YouTube Source: Supplied

STUNNED beachgoers in New Zealand stumbled over what looks like the carcass of a mysterious marine animal.

The bizarre-looking corpse washed ashore last week, fuelling speculation that it is the remains of a prehistoric sea monster washed up ashore from the deep, Sun Live reports. The 9-metre-long corpse has basic flippers and a gaping jaw with long, sharp teeth.

A video posted to YouTube showed the 9-metre long corpse on Pukehina Beach in the Bay of Plenty. Calling it a "strange marine creature", the narrator added: "can anyone help us identify it?".

The video sparked a flurry of speculation that the carcass was some prehistoric 'sea monster'.

Discovery News said the latest "monster" carcass find in New Zealand was part of a long history of discoveries of mysterious sea creatures. The bizarre, rotting corpses are often mistakenly identified as sea monsters or dinosaurs, or even just mysterious "blobsters".

In 1896, a 2-metre tall sea creature corpse washed ashore in St Augustine, Florida. Scientists eventually determined it was a new type of giant octopus.

In 2003, the bizarre 12-metre, 13-tonne "Chilean blob" shocked the world when it washed ashore on Los Muermos beach, BBC News reports. Puzzled marine biologists speculated the blob could be a type of giant squid, but DNA tests on the blubbery mass eventually determined it was the remains of a sperm whale.

Marine mammal expert Anton Van Heldon examined the latest 'monster' carcass in New Zealand and believes it is a killer whale, based on the fin structure. Killer whales, or orcas, are sometimes spotted in the Bay of Plenty.

 

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sandwich thrown as Julia Gillard abused

Kyle Thomson, 16, and his mother speak to Channel 9 tonight. The teen has been suspended for throwing a sandwich at the Prime Minister during a school visit but he denies being the culprit. Source: Supplied

A STUDENT suspended for throwing a sandwich at the Prime Minister during a visit at a Logan school has denied he did it.

Kyle Thomson, 16, was one of many teens who mobbed Julia Gillard during a visit to Marsden State High School, south of Brisbane,  this morning.

While speaking to students a vegemite sandwich was hurled in the direction of Ms Gillard, flying past her and hitting another student.

A teacher declared Kyle was the one who threw it and he was subsequently suspended for 15 days.

But Kyle has denied the allegations, instead claiming he tried to stop another student from throwing the sandwich.

"I hit the sandwich out of the kids hand because he threw it," he told Channel 9.

"There was another one, so I hit it out of his hand."

Kyle's mother believes her son is being unfairly blamed for the incident and has demanded all footage from the visit be reviewed to find the real culprit.

PROTEST?: A student throws a sandwich at Prime Minister Julia Gillard as she visits a school in Queensland. Picture: Nine News Brisbane

"Kyle's no angel, don't get me wrong, but I think there is a lot more to the circumstances," she told Channel 9.

"I honestly wonder if he would have been suspended on the first day without all the investigations being done if it wasn't the Prime Minister."

She went on to say the incident had been blown out of proportion.

"I'm sure she's had more than a sandwich thrown at her throughout her life,"

Ms Gillard laughed off the incident as 'high-jinx.'

"One kid thought they might just be a little bit naughty," she said.

Earlier, it was reported that a student threw a sandwich but others cheered support for the Prime Minister as she arrived for a morning tea at Marsden High this morning.

iPhone vision of the scene at Marsden High School in Queenland, where students yelled abuse at the PM and hurled a sandwich as she passed by. Vision: Andre Grimaux

Some students lining the footpath to the school hall yelled "loser" at Julia Gillard, but the reception was largely positive and drew comparisons to the adulation afforded Kevin Rudd on his way to an election victory in 2007.

A sandwich was thrown at the Prime Minister but it missed the mark as she made her way through the school grounds.

The PM's security struggled to keep up with the PM as students "went crazy" according to one bystander.

Ms Gillard used the function to announce $2.4 million for data collection on cancer over four years. The Prime Minister said cancer touched literally every Australian family in some way.

But Australia also leads the country in cancer treatment and prevention. "That is a key priority for me and my government,'' she said. Hundreds swarmed towards the PM after the speech asking for photographs.

The Prime Minister was at the school to attend a Biggest Morning Tea and meet community leaders from Logan.

An onlooker said some teachers tried to calm students while others looked disgusted at some students who were yelling abuse.

"It was complete chaos," she said.

Marsden High P & C president Michelle Campbell witnessed the incident, and said it was "disappointing".

"Kids will be kids though," she said.
 

Heidi Braithwaite, Michael Madigan and Stephanie Bennett

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