Rudd quits – and attacks Gillard

Kevin Rudd has quit as Australia’s Foreign Minister – and promised a statement on his future before Federal Parliament resumes next Monday.

Speaking from Washington, Mr Rudd said that would follow consultations with his family, the community and his colleagues.

“There is no way that I will ever be party to a stealth attack on an elected Prime Minister,” Mr Rudd declared.

“We all know that was wrong – and must never happen again.”

This was a clear attack on Julia Gillard’s role in the putsch, which deposed him as Prime Minister.

Mr Rudd said he would declare his intentions “honestly.”

He said he could not act as Foreign Minister without the confidence of the Prime Minster and senior ministers.

But Julia Gillard had chosen not to repudiate attacks that Simon Crean and a number of other “faceless men” ministers had made on him, Mr Rudd said.

“I can only conclude that she shares these views.”

Mr Rudd said there were other factors, too, that he had been forced to take into account.

The Australian people had come to regard present the present affair as “little better than a soap opera.”

“And they are right,” he added.

“It is important that business confidence be maintained in Australia,” Mr Rudd addded.

He also called for “a complete change in the culture” of the Labor party, of which he said he had been “a proud member for 30 years.

“Australia must be governed by the people, not by the factions, or the faceless men,” Mr Rudd said.

He said he would return to Brisbane tomorrow.

The Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, responded quickly.

Kevin Rudd has confirmed two things – that the faceless men are running the Labor Party and that the instability at the top of this government is damaging our country.

“Kevin Rudd’s statement tonight confirms that this government is unworthy to continue in office,” Mr Abbott said.

“Only the Coalition can provide the strong and stable government that will address the issues facing our country and restore hope, reward and opportunity for all Australians,” he added.