Kevin Rudd concedes as Tony Abbott claims victory in Australian election
TONY ABBOTT has been voted the new Prime Minister of Australia.
The opposition leader ended six years of Labor rule as he defeated Kevin Rudd in the election. With 80% of the votes counted, it was announced that Abbott's Liberal party was leading with 88 seats in the House of Representatives compared to Labor's 56.
Rudd spoke at a function in Brisbane, acknowledging Abbott's win: "A short time ago I telephoned Tony Abbott to concede defeat at this national election. As prime minister of Australia, I wish him well in the high office of prime minister of this country."
Rudd has faced an uphill battle to retain his post as infighting plagued the Labor party. He ousted Julia Gillard, Australia's first female prime minister, from power in June, highlighting an instability in the party.
Abbott's Liberal-National coalition gained popularity after he promised to wipe out the mining and carbon taxes and bring in tougher asylum policies. He also has vowed to introduce incentives for polluters to operate cleaner.
Abbott, who was born in Britain and moved to Sydney as a child, is extremely religious, and has drawn criticism from some for his views on abortion, gay marriage and sexism. Julia Gillard famously called him a misogynist in a Parliament speech.
Other controversial views expressed by Abbott include his scepticism regarding climate change.
Many are calling Abbott's win a loss by Labor rather than a win by the liberal coalition. Former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke said: "I really believe this was an election that was lost by the government rather than one that was won by the opposition."