News Story

July 23, 2008

Indigenous Boarding Facilities in NT to Help Close the Gap

In this joint media release with the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, the Prime Minister announced the short listed locations for three new boarding facilities in the Northern Territory. The new facilities will support improved access to quality schooling and better education outcomes for Indigenous secondary school students. The first of the facilities is expected to be completed in 2009 with the remaining two built in 2010.

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News Story

July 23, 2008

Press Conference in North East Arnhem Land

In this press conference in North East Arnhem Land, the Prime Minister spoke about the local Community Cabinet meeting and some of the discussion and topics raised at the meeting. Mr Rudd also responded to media questions on a range of indigenous issues as well as the Northern Territory Intervention, the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the Racial Discrimination Act.

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News Story

July 22, 2008

Prime Minister and Treasurer meet with Australian Banking Industry

In this joint media release with the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, the Prime Minister spoke about a meeting with representatives of the Australian banking industry to discuss how to increase domestic competition and expand the financial services industry both here and abroad. The difficult global financial environment and its impact on Australia were also discussed.

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News Story

July 22, 2008

Launch of Inside Kevin 07, by Christine Jackman

In this address at the launch of Inside Kevin 07, by Christine Jackman, the Prime Minister spoke about his 2007 campaign experiences and the content of the book. Mr Rudd thanked all of those involved in his election victory, discussed the reasons for political change in Australia and congratulated the author on her professionalism and the launch of her publication.

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July 21, 2008

Official Farewell to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

In this address at the official farewell for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at Sydney airport, the Prime Minister reflected on the events of the last week and thanked the pontiff for making the journey to Australia. Mr Rudd also spoke about the recent announcement of the first appointment of a resident Australian Ambassador to the Holy See in Rome, joining Ambassadors from 69 other nations.

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Feature Story

First 100 Days

The Prime Minister released a report today outlining the Government’s Achievements in its first 100 days in office. The report outlines the first steps the Government has taken towards delivering its election commitments and preparing Australia for the challenges of the future.

First 100 Days - Achievements of the Rudd Government - MS Word 781KB | RTF 1.4MB | PDF 296KB

Feature Story

National Apology to the Stolen Generations

The Prime Minister made a national apology to the Stolen Generations in the House of Representatives on Wednesday 13 February 2008.

In his speech the Prime Minister apologised to Australia's indigenous peoples: for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians; for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and country; for the pain, suffering and hurt of the Stolen Generations and for the indignity and degradation inflicted upon a proud people and a proud culture.

His speech looked ahead to a future of resolve, of mutual respect, and equal opportunity with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.

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A live webcast of the national apology is available from the Parliament of Australia website.

Feature Story

Australia 2020 Summit

The Australia 2020 Summit is to be held in Canberra on 19 and 20 April this year. The Summit will help us shape a long term strategy for the nation’s future – covering the economy, infrastructure, our environment, our farmers, health care, indigenous Australians, the arts, national security, how we improve our system of government, and how we strengthen our communities and ensure nobody is left out of Australia’s future.

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Feature Story

Australia Day Message

In his Australia Day message, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, spoke of our nation’s past achievements and his optimism for the future achievements of the nation.

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Feature Story

Community Cabinet

The first Community Cabinet Meeting was held at the Canning Vale College in South Eastern Perth on Sunday, 20 January 2008. About 600 people attended the public forum which included 90-minutes of open Question & Answer. People were also able to make individual meetings with ministers.

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