Isn't it amazing how the western (free) world is gradually
turning to socialism, Stupid people.

P. Wetzel, Merritton, Ont, Canada

I really do not understand why people like James Doyle get so lathered up about a ceremonial head of state, the Queen. She brings a little bit of colour, pomp and ceremony not to mention impartiality to what would otherwise be a dreary (and often tawdry) politically inspired role. Why does one need an elected head of state if the job is purely ceremonial? The Lord Mayor of London is a case in point.

Paulus, London,

A Tone Clone? Never heard Rudd described as that. Methinks Mr Ham is telling porkies to make his report appeal to UK.

Malcolm Halliwell, Sydney, NSW

Yesterday's man has gone to where he belongs...yesterday.
It's about time Howard went. He's old, grey, out of touch with his electorate, his party and the country. He ran the worse election campaign I've ever seen: negative, pessimistic, backward, regressive. For 12 years we have heard John Howard bang on about growth and the economy and yet we have seen 6 interest rates rises in the last year, Howard exploited race issues in 1998 and 2001 elections to scrape back in, he has ignored climate change for 12 years and still planned to do nothing, he claimed to have done things for the environment yet won't ratify Kyoto. In relation to Iraq let's not forget the reasons for the invasion of Iraq: WOMDs. What a lie that turned out to be, yet we end up with dead countrymen and women.
Kevin Rudd might be the lesser of 2 evils but at least he has an optimistic outlook for this country and that is what it's people clearly want, after 12 years of Howard, Australia breathes a sigh of relief.

T McKenzie, Melbourne, Australia

Mickey Chartwellcan't come down...he's still got 6 months left in the queue waiting for his checkup and doesn't want to lose his spot in line.

PA, Lake Worth, USA

Why are folk commenting on the liklihood of an Australian republic. The issue does not even rate a mention here. The whole debate is irrelevant, like the Monarchy itself. I am genuinely bemused why a newspaper such as the Times, and a number of its readers, would pay any attention to it. The Australian election was about getting rid of a tired and genuinely nasty government.

Andrew, Canberra, ACT

alan maddox .wirral

There is still the British Pacific paradise of Pitcairn Island for the House of Windsor

rosemary, sydney, australia

I have read in the comments that Australia has failed in its commitments to the US (from WW2) to aid the US by pulling out of Iraq. Australias commitment was originally to aid the United States in its capture of the terrorists who committed the atrocities of 9/11. These terrorists went to ground in Afghanistan, the United Nations gave a mandate to allow under International law permission from the Security council to wage war to capture the parties and their supporters of the said terrorists. Australia sent in elite troops to aid that mandate and to this day the Australians are still there. If the United States continued to do the job that they were supposed to Al Qaeda would be gone but Bush decided to waste his mandate and attack another country instead leaving Afghanistan as a backwater. The new Australian government has no intention of leaving Afghanistan in fact there is intention of increasing our commitment. Remember this "Sometimes friends have to tell you are making a mistake."

the lion, Darwin, Australia

I had the fortune to spend some time in Australia. I enjoyed the country immensly and the people were lovely (of course there were the silly pomm bashers but that's expected from ignorance). I'm very well travelled and I found the Ozzies possibly the most well read and informed society I had come across. So it shocks me that they are being sucked in to the climate change argument. Please guys, you are a cool bunch of people, don't believe what your politicians tell you. Climate change would be here if man was on the planet or not. As one posting here said "It's all about controlling every part of your life."

david, madrid,

All I can say is that , next year Australia will begin to suffer the pain of her voters' mistake. By this time next year all will understand.

Alfred Cachia, Zabbar, Malta

"Howard, 68, told demoralised supporters that he may soon retire"

He ain't got a choice - he LOST HIS SEAT.

"who has been called a “Tone Clone” for his similarities to Tony Blair on policies"

Where? Certainly not in Australia. I followed the election closely and never heard that term.

"Rudd plans to bring home most Australian troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, both deeply unpopular wars."

Rubbish. The Australian Labor Party supports the occupation of Afghanistan.

There is a lot of uninformed comment on and in this article. The Aussie presence in Iraq has always been symbolic, and leaving will also be symbolic. The only reason things are quieter there is because the US is paying off the insurgents. Really clever guys! Not.

For those that think this election was about interest rates, think again. It was about Work Choices. And lying. Trying to adopt a US style labour market. Even us cowtowed Aussies couldn't swallow that one.

Phil, Little HArtley, NSW, Australia

If you think all is well in the land of OZ ie.Australia read the book "Collapse" by Jared Diamond. They have mega ecological problems and ,I think, not many solutions.

Joseph Filbert, Moline, Il

I have a problem with the conclusion that Mr. Rudd, the present Prime Minister of Australia should be regarded as a clone of Tony Blair.
The difference between the two men is that Tony Blair was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He was the head of the labour party but was in reality a man with a Conservative agenda, especially in foreign policy. More like a clone of George Bush!
While Mr. Rudd is perhaps right of centre for the Australian Labor party, but hardly a Conservative.
Rudd is going to give short shrift to the US led policies of the American Republicans, and is committed to environmental concerns.
Tony Blair was a stooge of the Americans in foreign policy, and wasn't as strong on the environment.

If you want clones, look at Bush, the late PM of Britain Tony Blair and our own Canadian PM Harper. They are made from the same political scraps.

Naveed Haque, Toronto, Canada

Thank you Mr.Howard, from an appreciative Yank.

J.T. MARSH, Englwood, Colorado

Many here have written of their love and hate for the monarchy / USA / democracy etc. Our countries, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and NZ are all very much alike. They should be, since they all cultural kin.

The Queen no longer has real power. The crown represents an intangible power that is actually wielded by the Prime Minister. A PM has more real political power than the American President, who is severely restrained by the US Constitution and a very jealous Congress.

President Bush is not a Fascist. Fascism is actually a socialist movement. Pres. Bush would not have been able to prosecute this war without support from the US Congress, and, by extension, the American people.

I think our real problem is that the people we elect to Parliament or Congress have found they can bribe us with our own money.

"Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." (Winston S. Churchill, 1947)

David, Redington Beach, Florida, USA

"No one should be alarmed by the withdrawal of 550 Australian troops from Iraq. They are all clustered in the International Zone and Camp Victory. They do not engage in combat operations and are only symbolic in their contribution. Anyone who has served in Iraq can tell you that the US carries the burden alone.
Wesley, Honoulu, USA/Hawaii"
So I was dreaming when I saw coffins being brought home covered with the Union Jack. It is because of this kind of deluded mentality that some Americans display that you can't really blame the Aussies for pulling out. Rather that than get shot by an over enthusiastic yank "just desperate to get my first confirmed kill Sir." At least the 550 Aussie troops have the guts to go there and not to sit and sling mud from a pacific island. Having had 2 of my family serve in Iraq I am just grateful they return from tour in 1 piece. Don't ever question the bravery of people willing to take one step more than you.

Ed, London,

It's refreshing to hear at least one western leader has some gumption to stand up to America's 'War on Islam (oh, I mean Terror)'. While the US and UK take part in yet another immoral war at least the new Australian leader seems to actually reflects the wishes of his people, unlike the US and UK, who's governments just do what the heck they want with no regard for anybody but their corporate puppet masters.

Andrew Duncan, Godalming,

The usual off subject remarks.

I don't recall the republic even getting a mention in this election. It is hardly as important as dealing with those nasty "submarine volcanoes under the Pacific", cleverly spotted by Professor Bill Goshen.

A cursory examination shows that the Queen is no protector of civil liberties or laws as is evidenced by the many unhindered coups in the Commonwealth. Fiji's last was by a general who was acting against the "undemocratic" actions of the parliament!

Generally it would be such a good idea if everyone actually acquainted themselves with what is happening in Australia or anywhere else.

Do that by looking out the window not in the mirror.

Peter Breis, Canberra, Australia

Half done?!?!?!

The US invasion of Iraq is nowhere near complete. They have left that country in disarray. No Western country, including Australia, should even be there and Bush should be tried at a war crime tribunal.

Get the troops out, so that they can stop dying in the name of US imperialism.

Travis M, Newcastle, Australia

I have read that the election was much more about local issues such as interest rates as opposed to the media's preferred spin of pulling out of Iraq and Global Warming.
Americans love the Aussies, we are one in the same, pissed off ex Brits who built a much better land for ourselves.
God bless the Aussies

Nutcase, Des Moines, Iowa, US Fuggin A!!!!

'I hope that Britain will follow Australia, and perhaps Canada, and get rid of this undemocratic leftover from the dark ages.'

The British monarchy is democratic because it is strongly supported by the elected Parliament and by a huge percentage of the people and always has been. In fact, in opinion polls it is twice as popular as the government was when it won the last two elections. The monarchy is not from the dark ages, we have always had it, in times good and bad, ancient and modern. The monarchy bears no direct comparison with that of medieval times, it constantly evolves.

The most liberal and progressive contries in the world, such as the Netherlands and Denmark - with the highest standards of living, the greatest human rights, tolerance of belief, religion, sexuality, criminality, and the most harmonious societies with wealth resdistribution and every politically correct whatever going - are ancient monarchies. Maybe there's a lesson in that.

Tom Moncrieff, London, England

Well, statistically australia has a strong economy. but you ask just about anyone except the high-flyers and you'll find most are earning only slightly more than 10 years ago, but living costs have increased by a whole lot. i moved here for a simple life, but daily life is slowly getting as expensive and stressful as it was in england. (except for the lunchtime surf , hahahaha)

mk, Sydney,

Australian politicians are not stupid. Regardless of which political party in Oz is in power, a strong relationship with the USA is understood to be absolutely essential.

The reason for this is very simple. Australian defense planners recognize that, with a certainty of 100 percent, the USA will not send two aircraft carrier support groups to Sydney harbor and demand surrender of the Australian government.

On the other hand, there is certainly not a zero probability that, now or in the intermediate future, some other current or future Pacific power might entertain such an adventure - think China, potentially Japan or in the future India. After all, such a Pacific power could claim that Australia is a huge geographical territory of immense potential that has been woefully underdeveloped by the present inhabitants. The basis for the ‘Take Over’ would be to send a hundred million new citizens to Oz so as to adequately take advantage of that immense potential.

The world does not at all appreciate just how fortunate it is to have the USA as the truly beneficent hegemon.

Jon, Chicago,

The House of Windsor had better start house-hunting.

alan maddox, wirral , ENGLAND

Great news for Australia with the election of the Labor govt. The people of Australia have clearly spoken on a number of bad and divisive policy positions of the former govt.

Therefore its doubly disappointing to read Hal Schieve's comment regarding the imminent withdrawal of Australia's troops from Iraq.

Given that the USA's "invasion" of Iraq was supposedly based on bringing democracy to that country, I thought he would a great supporter of Australia's democracy in action, but then again USA does have a curious view of democracy.

Regarding his WW2 analogy, don't ever forget that USA is Japan in relation to Iraq.

David Scott, Kingscote, Australia

No one should be alarmed by the withdrawal of 550 Australian troops from Iraq. They are all clustered in the International Zone and Camp Victory. They do not engage in combat operations and are only symbolic in their contribution. Anyone who has served in Iraq can tell you that the US carries the burden alone.

Wesley, Honoulu, USA/Hawaii

I don't see the problem with pulling out our troops from Iraq, who were there in name only. US and British soldiers would have a go at the Aussies because they were not doing any frontline fighting. Those that are comparing Iraq to WW2 are seriously deluded. For the record, the first ever Japanese land defeat in New Guinea was at the hands of a rag tag group of Australian conscripts. No, we could not have beaten the Japanese without the Americans, but we certainly pulled our weight.
On another note, The only other PM to lose his seat in 1929 had abolished the Industrial Relations commission, eerily similar to Mr Howards disasterous 'WorkChoices' that stripped away basic conditions such as overtime and penalty rates.
Kevin Rudd and his team will be like a breath of fresh air.

Paul O'Sullivan, Sydney, Australia

The Aussies are going to pull out all of their 550 troops. This is what got this guy elected? 550 troops? What do you need to do this, a couple of buses? Thats a disgrace that they only have 550 troops there and even more of a disgrace that they are running away. Who won that election, Jaques Chirac?

brian y, birmingham, usa/MI

I still cant believe that the Australian public chose this "strip-club-visitor" to be their Prime Minister. Now he wants to sign the Kyoto that will economically disastrous for the country and to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, at the most inopportune time. Change just for the sake of change is bad, but electing Rudd as the PM is the worst decision that this country has made and it will bite them back real bad. Its now a wait and see approach that I will be doing living in Australia as I am extremely disappointed. Oh, by the way, Kevin Rudd said no interest rate rises, Hahaha. In a news article on Sunday the Reserve Bank of Australia has predicted as 2 more rate rises in the near future.

Magarmuch, Melbourne, Australia

So, the Aussies want to pull out of Iraq with the job only half done. One wonders what their reaction would have been if the US had decided that we had done enough at the end of 1943 and left them to the tender mercies of the Japanese.

Hal Schieve, Whittier, USA, California

53% to 47% is a "landslide"?????

Jake Dogg, Portland, OR, USA

Please don't believe all that you read. Kevin Rudd has stated that he will not pull the troops out quickly or completely as he believes that a stabilising presence is required after a gradual withdrawal. Australia has a hard road ahead of itself on many issues. Kevin Rudd has said he can do what is needed but it will not be easy for him. He will need to watch his back at every step as the factional knives are already being sharpened.

Karen, Adelaide, South Australia

"An appointed or elected Head of State would not have the same long term view and may pander to the short term ideals of the politicians"
That is the problem in the U.S... politicians learned they can sell themselves to short-term special interests... and the people learned they can vote themselves federal money for their district or health insurance paid for by higher taxes they themselves won't have to pay.
It is short sighted and frankly suicidal.

Brad, San Antonio, Texas

Andy, Northampton, wrote "

"For example, look at Australia in the 70's when the Queen invoked her authority to remove the Prime Minister."

Google it to find out what really happened mate !!!

Paul, Newcastle, NSW

John Howard was a great politician and Australian, but he failed to see when it was time to go, probably over 12 months ago. Whilst he did a great job, to retire when he was well on top would have underlined his immense contribution to the advancement of Australia on the world stage. As a nation of larrikins, with a healthy disrespect for authority and self absorbed public figures, it is hardly a surprise that he seems to have been thrown out of his own seat at this point. Poetic justice. Isn't a free choice a wonderful thing .. John O'Hare

John O'Hare, Black Rock, Australia / Victoria

Go ahead with Kyoto and put an end to the aussie economy.
Do some research. If there is global warming it is not caused
by man. The warming of the Pacific Ocean is caused by under
sea volcanoes. This is all about controlling every aspect of your life.

Bill, Goshen, AL

The Howard/Costello combination over the past 11.5 years has underpinned the Australian economy & made it the envy of the world. Yes, there were 5 years of “tepid” growth before; however, this is not the full picture. A Budget deficit that was much larger than anticipated required immediate attention & the Conservative Government worked hard to build the right foundations going forward. When the Asian crisis hit, Australia was well prepared (Econ 101: twin deficits are bad). These & many other reforms were significant & leave Australia much stronger for it. The "New" Labor Government are fortunate to inherit these conditions (so unlike 1996). History will judge this period as an important era of prudent economy reform. The benefits will continue to be for all Australians for years to come, unless “New” Labor decides otherwise.

George, Melbourne, Australia

Interesting that so much of the commentary relates to the monarchy. It would be interesting to examine the degree to which the monarchy actually influences those nations that choose to retain it. If this should be judged by England, I think every nation would be well to have one.

Dave, Toronto, Ontario

if we have no monarch at the head of this great country then we have the chance of being run by Cameron or a bush like figure in GB and i know which i would rather.
Britain is kingdom as it has suited us and kept this country as one and so i would say that the republicans of this world would ruin and so destroy what we stand for and what is created at great blood and anguish.
At the same a country is never a full democracy and a monarch protects us from a more dictatorship or corrupt regime like the USA.

Alex, swinon, Great Britan

Thank you and godspeed Australia. We'll miss you down at the sharp end.

Marcus, Junction City, Kansas, USA

"You think America is the greatest democracy on the earth ? Think again..it is a fascist state where only the rich get justice and walk away .. everyone else is in an orange jump suit crammed 5 to a cell. "

Mickey Chartwell what theheck is this? It is sickening to see a Canadian write something so utterly absurd. Maybe you should drive down instead of reading the liberal press? I need you to show me where my orange suit is, I seem to have lost it.

Dave T, Huntsville, USA/ALABAMA

One correction to this story. Rudd has no intention of withdrawing Australian troops from Afghanistan, which is of course the good oil war, and not unpopular in Australia at all. But the Iraq war is very unpopular, it's the evil oil war, and so Rudd will soon be removing all Australian combat troops from Iraq and sending them to die in Afghanistan.

Then he'll move onto the republic, which up till now he's put at the bottom of his list of priorities.

John G, Wollongong, Australia

Anti monarchists are out in force I see. This is what wars are fought over , even right in the street of your own home town sometimes.
The Monarchy stays. In Canada those who would weaken it are the fifth columnists supporting the French/Quebec/Acadienne Roman Catholic minority...which cannot seem to get past the fact the English -- including the United Empire Loyalists who were forced to leave their homes in the Colonies in 1783...formed Canada..and we formed Canada to be, a Parliamentary Democracy with a titular head of state being the Monarch, not some rag tag republican hooliganism that has led inexorably to the excesses of your France and your America. You think America is the greatest democracy on the earth ? Think again..it is a fascist state where only the rich get justice and walk away .. everyone else is in an orange jump suit crammed 5 to a cell.
Our boy Trudeau only got half way with his "constitution". We're still "the best form of government".

Mickey Chartwell, Fredericton, New Brunswick/Canada

With this change in government, let's just pray it has not marked the abrupt finish of Australia's eleven years of hard earned growth, nor ruin the foundations of the economically favoured nation it has been under the leadership of John Howard and the Liberal Party.
Time shall be the judge...

Tracey Hoy, Caerphilly, Wales, UK

James Doyle and Neill are correct. Monarchies as heads of state for civilized democratic nations in the 21st century are an embarrassing anachronism for their so called modern populations to support. Hanging on to supersticion and tradition for no recognizable political purpose. Elizabeth Battenburg should set an example by abdicating and asking the English, Scottish and Welsh people in her valedictory address to form their own independent republics. Northern Ireland would have a choice to join the south or form its own independent republic. With such a sensible approach the trend would surely grow and finally the genetic qualification for state representation will die a natural death along with all the trustafarian lifestyles who feed off it and sustain it.

Peter Fitzallen Carr, Hong Kong,

Australia has had 17 years of consecutive economic growth, the last 11.5 years of which have been under John Howard's conservative government, but the initial 5.5 years of which were under the reformist Labor government led by Bob Hawke and later, Paul Keating. Keating initiated a compulsory retirement savings plan in the early 1990s that has resulted in Australia having the world's fourth largest retirement fund.

John , Sydney, Australia

Lets hope Mr Rudds first few months in office will alter his Republican tendencies. The Monarchy, being apolitical is a fantastic institution which can take long term view on whichever country they are Head of State. For example, look at Australia in the 70's when the Queen invoked her authority to remove the Prime Minister. An appointed or elected Head of State would not have the same long term view and may pander to the short term ideals of the politicians

Andy, Northampton,

Australia does recognize Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and likes the idea of a monarchy. Many Australians would however like an indigenous king or queen such as King Malcolm Turnbull and his wonderful wife, Queen Lucy, who would be beloved by all.

James Webb , Collector, NSW, Australia

Like Australia and Canada Britain does not need a King or Queen. I hope that Britain will follow Australia, and perhaps Canada, and get rid of this undemocratic leftover from the dark ages. Better still, we could lead the way.

Neil, Glucestershire, England

Besides his election pledges, Rudd too would eventually make the pilgrimage to Washington as did Sarkozy and Merkel. Don't count on him distancing himself from America & the war on terror. It was not the US that did the Bali bombing killing Aussies. He is a diplomat so he knows what to tell the public without causing controversy. Australia is economically strong today because of Howard's 11 years in office.

Faqi, London, UK

Australia like Canada does not need an English Queen or King. I hope that Canada follows Australia is getting rid of this undemocratic layover from the dark ages.

James Doyle, Prince George, Canada