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Gillard Sworn In as Australian PM


Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard during the swearing in ceremony at Government House in Canberra, 14 Sept. 2010
Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard during the swearing in ceremony at Government House in Canberra, 14 Sept. 2010

Australia's first woman prime minister was sworn in again Tuesday, less than three months after she deposed her predecessor.

Julia Gillard took office this time at the head of a minority government after she lost her majority in polls August 21 and cobbled together a shaky coalition last week, with two independent lawmakers.

Her center-left Labor Party controls 76 seats in the 150-member House or Representatives, meaning a single defection, resignation or death could bring down her government.

Ms. Gillard's new Cabinet also took the oath of office Tuesday. On Saturday, she named former leader Kevin Rudd as her foreign minister, less than three months after she ousted him in a surprise party coup.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

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