Kevin Rudd is Australia's 26th Prime Minister. He defeated incumbent Liberal Party leader John Howard's bid for a fifth term in November of 2007. In February, 2008, Rudd set a record for Australian prime ministers by receiving 70% approval rating in an opinion poll.
Aborigine Apology
One of Rudd's first actions as prime minister was to issue an official apology to Australia's "Stolen Generations". From 1910 to the 1970s, Aboriginal children were taken from their families in an effort to eradicate their culture. Rudd called these actions a "stain on the nation's soul".Voice of America: Australia Apologizes to Aborigines (February 13, 2008)
Kevin Rudd - Aborigine Apology Video
- YouTube: Kevin Rudd apologises to the Aboriginal Stolen Generation (Time 1:53)
Kevin Rudd Books and Merchandise
- Scrib Publications: Kevin Rudd an unauthorized political biography (By Nicholas Stuart)
References
Fast Facts
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Born
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Birthplace
Nambour, Queensland
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Spouse
Therese Rein
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Children
Jessica, Nicholas and Marcus
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Fact:
Speaks fluent Mandarin
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Leader
Australia's Labor Party
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1981
Graduated Australian National University with First Class Honours
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Since 1988
Member of Parliament of Australia
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Sworn in as Prime Minister
December 3, 2007
