Gillard got the Australia's Prime Minister post
After two weeks of political deadlock from indecisive elections, Julia Gillard got the backing of two key independent lawmakers, making her Australia’s first female prime minister.
Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott will hold the balance of power in parliament.
Bob Katter from North Queensland and Tony Windsor announced their support for Gilliard.
The minority government is Australia’s first since World War II.
Windsor asked his conservative constituents to cooperate with the minority government.
He also said Labor’s plans for a national broadband network and its position on climate change had been major factors in his decision.
Oakeshott said he had taken into account who could from a more stable government,
who had a better deal for rural Australia and who could work best with the Senate,
where the Greens will hold the balance of power.
The independents’ backing means Ms Gillard will be able to press ahead with her plans to introduce the broadband network, a 30% tax on iron ore and coal mining companies’ profits, and a tax on major polluters to help cut carbon emissions by 5% by 2020.
The country’s economy has stayed relatively strong despite the global economic crisis.
The demand for commodities from trading partners such as China have helped bolster resource-rich Australia.
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