Kevin Rudd has been sworn in again as Prime Minister, as it appeared likely Australia will go to the polls earlier than planned September 14 election.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce, acting on the advice from the solicitor-general, swore in Rudd and his deputy Anthony Albanese in a brief ceremony at Government House in Canberra this morning.
Chris Bowen has also been sworn in as treasurer, replacing and former deputy prime minister Wayne Swan who resigned from cabinet on Wednesday night.
The swearing-in followed Rudd’s 57-45 caucus vote victory over Julia Gillard, who ousted him in June 2010 and narrowly held onto power with the backing of the Greens and independents after the 2010 election.
Rudd says he will do his best as Australia’s 28th prime minister.
Bryce wished him well in serving the people of Australia.
“I will do my absolute best,” Rudd replied.
As Rudd signed the document sealing his prime ministership, he told the Governor-General he did it wrong before.
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“Really,” she exclaimed.
This is Mr Rudd’s second time as Labor prime minister after he was overthrown by Julia Gillard on June 24, 2010.
Also sworn in on Thursday was Anthony Albanese as deputy leader and Chris Bowen as treasurer.
Rudd, Albanese and Bowen then walked to the front of Government House for the traditional official photograph with the governor-general.
Asked how he was feeling, Rudd said: “It’s a sunny day in Australia.”
All three men were accompanied by their families.
Earlier Bryce secured an assurance from Rudd that he would announce his appointment to the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The parliament would then be able to take whatever action it chose to do, including a no confidence motion.
But Opposition Leader Tony Abbott talked down the prospects of moving a no-confidence motion in the Labor government.
“Plainly one-third of the cabinet has no confidence in Mr Rudd, they’ve resigned, it’s the biggest exodus from the cabinet in memory,” Abbott told the Nine Network.
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“But we’re not into parliamentary games … let’s let the people decide.”
Should a motion go forward Rudd appeared likely to get support from crossbenchers Andrew Wilkie, Peter Slipper, Craig Thomson, Bob Katter and Adam Bandt.
Rudd is expected to announce an August 24 election.
He has to fill five other vacancies in the cabinet.
Labor’s new Senate leader Penny Wong revealed she voted for Kevin Rudd, having told Gillard just hours before the ballot.
“I had to decide who I thought would offer the best contest at the next election against Tony Abbott,” Wong told ABC Radio.
She described Gillard as a friend, which made the decision even more difficult.
Gillard supporter, Resources Minister Gary Gray, says Rudd had asked him to stay on and he had agreed to do so.
Environment Minister Tony Burke is also staying on, despite offering his resignation to Rudd.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith told parliament this afternoon he would not contest the next election, making it seven ministers who will not serve in a Rudd cabinet.
Abbott said Rudd had “had his revenge”.
“But is this all about Kevin Rudd’s ego or is it about the Australian people?” Abbott said.
Albanese said there would be a “proper discussion” about changing the election date, but any change would not be too far from the existing September 14 poll.
“The party will unite behind Kevin Rudd’s leadership,” Albanese said.
