Rudd to 'move forward'

Debbie Cuthbertson
November 25, 2007 - 12:06AM

RTKNS Note: see earlier post - "I'll End Secrecy"

Kevin Rudd has vowed to waste no time getting to work after winning government in emphatic fashion tonight, ousting the Coalition.
In his victory speech to Labor supporters at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium tonight, Mr Rudd outlined his plans to tackle Australia’s education, health, climate and infrastructure challenges head-on.
Introduced by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh as "the new Prime Minister of Australia", Mr Rudd walked into the stadium to the sound of rock music and raucous cheers, flanked by his wife and three children.
He smiled and giggled as he took to the stage before saying "OK guys" to quiet the crowd.
Mr Rudd paid tribute to his opponent, former prime minister John Howard, and his contribution to public life before announcing his own vision for his own government.
"A short time ago Mr Howard called me to offer his congratulations," he said to huge cheers.
"I thank him for the dignity with which he offered those congratulations.
"I want to acknowledge now for the entire nation and publicly recognise Mr Howard's extensive contribution to public service in Australia."
'Have an Iced Vovo'Mr Rudd revealed his intention to put aside enmity between sectors that had been in conflict during the Coalition’s 11 and a half years in Government.
"Friends, tomorrow, the work begins," Mr Rudd said.
"You can have a strong cup of tea if you want, even an Iced Vovo on the way through. But the celebration stops there."
Mr Rudd said his government would start work immediately on an education revolution, rebuilding the hospital system, address the "great challenges" of climate change and water, building "a 21st century infrastructure for a 21st century economy".
"I want to put aside the old battles of the past ... between business and unions ... growth and environment ... federal and state ... public and private ... "It's time for a new page to be written in our nation's history.
'Fantastic' deputy
He paid particular tribute to his deputy, Julia Gillard, for her support.
"She has been fantastic as the deputy leader and she'll be fantastic as the deputy Prime Minister of Australia.
"I want to thank all my shadow ministers lead by Wayne Swan in Queensland.
"You can take the boys out of Nambour, but you can't take Nambour out of the boys.

"I want to thank all the members of my parliamentary team in Australia.
Mr Rudd also paid tribute to the memory of his late parents.
He said his father, who died more than 40 years ago and would have been "surprised" at today's events. He recalled how he lost his mother on the eve of the 2004 election.
'Look to the future'
Mr Rudd singled out first-time Labor voters and those who had returned to the fold after a long absence.
"Today, Australia has looked to the future.
"Today the Australian people have decided that we as a nation will move forward.
"Together, as Australians, to unite and rewrite a new page in our nation's history.
"To make this great country of ours, Australia, even greater.
"Today, many people across Australia have voted Labor for the very first time.
"Today, many people in Australia have voted Labor for the first time in a long, long time.
"And I say tonight to the nation, I will never take that sacred trust for granted.
"I understand that this is a great privilege, and I will do everything to honour the trust that is extended to me."
Mr Rudd vowed to govern for all citizens of the nation.
'A PM for all'
"I say to all of those who have voted for us today, to each and every one of them that I will be a Prime Minister for all Australians.
"A Prime Minister for indigenous Australians.
"Australians who have been born here and Australians who have come here from afar and have contributed to the great diversity in Australia.
"A Prime Minister for our cities and our towns, a Prime Minister for rural Australia, which right now is experiencing the worst drought our country has had.
"For our men and women serving in uniform in difficult environments around the world.
"For all our states and territories in this great Commonwealth of ours, I will be a Prime Minister for all Australians."
"I make this solemn pledge to the nation: I will always govern in the country's interest."

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/11/24/1195753382042.html