"On the numbers we are seeing tonight Labor is going to form a government," said Labor deputy leader Julia Gillard. Mr Howard was bidding for a fifth term in office, but tallies indicated his Sydney seat had been lost to Labor - Figures from the electoral commission suggested with more than 50% of the votes counted in Bennelong, he had lost the seat to Maxine McKew, a former TV journalist.
"I have to say there is a strong mood for change in Australia. People want new leadership with a positive plan for the future," Mr Rudd said as he cast his ballot in his Queensland constituency. During the campaign, Labor sought to capitalise on the Howard administration's refusal to sign the Kyoto protocol on climate change.
For me, the (beds are) burning question is whether Pete Garrett will be in Rudd’s cabinet. This question is, of course, just an excuse to post a video of one of my favourite Midnight Oil songs!
