World

Julia Gillard sworn in as Australian PM

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-14 15:47

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard signs her commission during her swearing-in ceremony at the Government House Canberra, Sept 14, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

CANBERRA - Australia's first elected female leader Julia Gillard on Tuesday sworn in as prime minister at Government House in Canberra.

Gillard was joined by partner Tim Mathieson, and some of her front-bench colleagues including Treasurer Wayne Swan.

"I, Julia Eileen Gillard, do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will loyally serve the Commonwealth of Australia in the office of prime minister," Gillard said in Canberra on Tuesday.

Gillard then signed a document and swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II. It is the second time in just a few weeks that Gillard has been sworn in as prime minister, after she ousted former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd from the top job on June 24.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce will later sign in the new Labor cabinet made up of 19 cabinet ministers, 10 ministers and 12 parliamentary secretaries.

The move came after the Labor won enough support from the Greens and independent Members of Parliament (MPs) to form a minority government, as a result of the August 21 election.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (L) shakes hands with Governor General Quentin Bryce during her swearing-in ceremony at the Government House Canberra, Sept 14, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]