Kevin Rudd Sorry Speech
AN emotional Kevin Rudd says he is proud of his achievements as Australia’s Prime Minister in a press conference this morning.
The former Prime Minister was close to tears as he made his parting address after standing down for Julia Gillard this morning.
Mr Rudd said he remained proud of the government’s three unsuccessful efforts to get the emissions trading scheme through parliament.
“I believe in a fair go for all Australians,” Mr Rudd said.
“I’m proud of my achievements to make this country fairer.
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“If I had one point of future policy it must be our ambition to pass a carbon pollution reduction scheme within this parliament, the one that follows I mean,” he said.
“So that we can make a difference, a real difference to climate change.”
Mr Rudd ran through a list of other issues he was proud to have taken part in, including increasing the aged single pension, apologising to the stolen generations, and efforts on climate change.
“What I’m less proud of is the fact that I have now blubbered,” he said with a chuckle, prompting Therese to put a comforting arm around his shoulder.
Mr Rudd turned to Therese to ask if he’d forgotten anything.
She advised him to just say his time in office had been an “honour and a privilege”.
“She is always more succinct that me – and much better looking,” Mr Rudd joked, before paying tribute to his wife’s community work.
“This is a very good person,” he said.
“One of life’s eternal mysteries is why she ever married me in the first place.”
He also thanked the constituents of Griffith, who he has represented as MP since 1998.
“I thank the good people of Griffith, my electorate, for putting up with me as their local member – recently somewhat missing in action,” he said.
“They are good people. It is a great community. I love it and I love them dearly.”
Mr Rudd also made mention of his “fantastic” children, before wrapping up the press conference with his now famous departing line.
“Having said all that folks, we’ve gotta zip.”
Soon afterwards, Julia Gillard was sworn in as the new Prime Minister by Governor-General Quentin Bryce, and Treasurer Wayne Swan was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister at the Government House ceremony in Canberra.
Source : news.com.au
