Australian Labor leader Anthony Albanese was sworn in as the country’s 31st prime minister today, ending a right-wing alliance that lasted almost a decade, just hours before leaving for Tokyo, where he will attend tomorrow’s summit. Quad (USA, India, Japan Australia).
The leader of the center-left, who assures Canberra that he will fight climate change, promote equality and promote gender equality, was sworn in at Canberra’s government by Governor-General David Harley. Also sworn in were new Secretary of State Richard Marls, new Foreign Minister Penny Wong – born in Malaysia – is the first immigrant to hold the post -, new Finance Minister Gene Chalmers and new Justice Secretary Katie Gayka. The remaining portfolios will be covered “temporarily”, the ministers will be named next week, 59-year-old Albanezi told reporters.
It is not yet clear whether Labor will have a majority of seats in the new federal House of Representatives. As the ballot count continues (it has reached over 70%), they are ahead with 72 seats, while the Liberal / National Party alliance of outgoing Prime Minister Scott Morrison is heading for 52 seats.
Mr Morrison, a staunch supporter of the coal and gas industries, has announced he will step down as leader of the Liberals. He congratulated Mr Albanezi on acknowledging his defeat on Saturday night, calling it a “difficult night” for his outgoing right-wing government.
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