Quicklinks

• Read more about Australia's people, geography, government and national symbols and icons
• Read more about the ministry team

• 23 Jul

  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.

• 23 Jul

  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.

• 22 Jul

  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.

• 22 Jul

  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.

• 21 Jul

  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.

• 21 Jul

  Appointment of Australia's First Resident Ambassador to the Holy See

  In this press release, the Prime Minister announced the first appointment of a residential Ambassador to the Holy See, marking a significant deepening of Australia's relations with the Vatican. The Government intends to recommend to the Governor General that the Hon Tim Fischer AC, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, be appointed to the position.

• 20 Jul

  Water Contingency Planning in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin

  In this joint statement by the Prime Minister and the Premiers of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, the recommendations of the eighth report from senior officials on dry inflow contingency planning in the southern Murray-Darling Basin are discussed. The statement details the main findings and recommended actions of the report, with the first Ministers agreeing to the report recommendations and principles that will underpin the arrangements to meet critical water supplies in 2008-09.

• 18 Jul

  Interview with Rhys Muldoon, 666 AM Radio, Canberra

  In this phone interview with Rhys Muldoon on ABC 666 Canberra, the Prime Minister discussed his experiences as the leader of the country as well as climate change, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of coal as a fuel. Mr Rudd also spoke about his meeting with Pope Benedict and the Pope's message as well as his recent meetings with other world leaders.

• 18 Jul

  Joint Doorstop Interview with Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water, Brisbane

  In this joint doorstop interview in Brisbane with the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, the Prime Minister spoke about the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the Green Paper and climate change. Mr Rudd responded to questions from the media on the Government commitment to climate change and the Scheme and commented on the Bali terrorists and Pope Benedict's visit.

• 17 Jul

  Interview with Mike and Sandy, Radio 2UE Sydney

  In this interview with Mike and Sandy on Radio 2UE Sydney, the Prime Minister discussed the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the costs and compensation, international efforts for carbon pollution reduction, solar energy, the White Paper and climate change globally. Mr Rudd also spoke about the inaugural Mass and Pope Benedict's visit.