Kevin Rudd has used a press conference in Washington to outline policy initiatives in the wake of his shock resignation as foreign minister.
As he prepared to board a plane to return to Australia from the United States at 9.15am AEST, Mr Rudd offered a glimpse of what he might bring to the Labor Party leadership, despite not clearly declaring his candidacy.
Touching on subjects including education, tax reform, business growth and manufacturing Mr Rudd trumpeted his previous achievements while also signalling change for the future.
He said he would put his energy into stimulating small-business growth through tax changes and would further education reforms.
He said he would continue subsidies for the auto industry, stating his desire for Federal Government support for Australian manufacturing.
‘‘I do not share the view that manufacturing is old fashioned and belongs to the old economy,’’ he said.
He began his speech by stating he was ‘‘shocked and disappointed’’ at personal attacks made since he announced he would step down as foreign minister last night.
‘‘These sorts of vicious personal attacks don’t have a place in our political life...I have been shocked and disappointed and I say to you and to my own supporters in Australia, do not to retaliate,’’ he said.
‘‘In Australia today people are sick and tired of the division, sick and tired of the politics of division.’’
MORE TO COME
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