

Labour sweeps to power in Australia

The Labour party has won a decisive victory in Australia's general election. Party leader Kevin Rudd swept to power on Saturday, ending an eleven-year era of conservative rule.

Rudd, 50, has promised to make the environment his top priority.  He says Australia will ratify the Kyoto protocol to reduce carbon emissions.

Rudd is committed to pulling out Australia's 500 troops from Iraq.

The win is a humiliating defeat for outgoing Prime Minister John Howard, who looks set to lose not only the election, but also his parliamentary seat.

Howard reshaped Australia's image abroad with unwavering support for  the U.S.'s war in Iraq.

Howard conceded defeat and wished his successor well.