Tony Abbott to be sworn in as prime minister
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/18/tony-abbott-sworn-in-prime-minister Version 0 of 1. Tony Abbott and the Coalition government will this morning be sworn in by the governor-general Quentin Bryce at Government house in Canberra more than a week after the nation voted them in. The prime minister elect Tony Abbott and his 41 Coalition MPs will take the oath (or affirmation) of office. Extra oaths will be taken by Abbott, the nine cabinet ministers, 11 outer ministry members and 12 parliamentary secretaries. Abbott has faced criticism since announcing his cabinet team as it contains just one woman - foreign minister Julie Bishop. Of two other expected female inclusions, Bronwyn Bishop was appointed speaker of the house and Sophie Mirabella withdrew her name from consideration as a tight race in her electorate could see her ousted from parliament altogether. Abbott said in a statement that as soon as the swearing in ceremony was over, he would be getting to work running the country and making good on key election promises. "Today is not just a ceremonial day, it's an action day. The Australian people expect us to get straight down to business, and that's exactly what this government will do,'' Abbott said. ''As soon as I return to Parliament House from the swearing-in ceremony, I will instruct the department of prime minister and cabinet to prepare the carbon tax repeal legislation.'' He also said they would immediately begin enacting Operation sovereign borders, their asylum seeker policy which sees operations headed by a three star general. "It's so important that we send a message to the people smugglers that, from today, their business model is coming to an end," Abbott said. He is expected to name deputy chief of Army Angus Campbell as head of the operation, who would be promoted to the three-star rank of lieutenant-general. Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |