Rudd
SYDNEY - Julia Gillard became Australia's first female prime minister Thursday after incumbent Kevin Rudd stood aside in a party vote amid plunging approval ratings and a run-in with the mining industry over a proposed tax.
CANBERRA J - Julia Gillard became Australia's first female Prime Minister after Kevin Rudd stepped down in tears as the ruling Labour Party's leader at the ballot meeting.
CANBERRA, Australia - A sudden revolt within Australia's ruling party gave the country its first woman prime minister, who promised Thursday to safeguard her government's reforms in education, health and industrial law.
SYDNEY - Julia Gillard became Australia's first female prime minister Thursday after incumbent Kevin Rudd stood aside in her favour.
CANBERRA, Australia - Australia's government was thrown into turmoil Wednesday when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was challenged by his deputy for the leadership just months before national elections.
