50 People Who Matter 2010 | 47. Julia Gillard

First lady of Oz.

By New Statesman Published 27 September 2010

As Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard has inspired many. But while it was a rapid ascent - the former deputy leader of the Labor Party ousted the incumbent prime minister, Kevin Rudd, and was narrowly elected within the space of three months - challenges lie ahead.

Now leading a fragile coalition with a majority of one, she has unpopular legislation on reducing CO2 emissions to push through. Environmental legislation is a high priority for Australia, which needs to diversify its economy to move beyond its role as China's "coal pit".

Gillard will have to lead the way with cunning and care.

 

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1 comment

MiltonG's picture

Wed, 2010-09-29 03:26 — MiltonG (not verified)

Just before the election Gillard promised "There will be no carbon tax under the government I lead".

One month later she proposes to legislate a carbon tax, based on the secret deliberations of a parliamentary committee whose members were selected because they want a carbon tax.

Has bare-faced lying to the electorate now been rebranded as "cunning" by the New Statesman?

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