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Independents put Gillard into Australia's top job
Julia Gillard has finally been confirmed as Australia's first elected female Prime Minister, more than two weeks after an election that has now given her a razor-thin majority.

The hard work starts for Gillard
Julia Gillard's nail-biting victory over Opposition leader Tony Abbott, 17 days after Australians went to the polls, has hardly been convincing, writes Greg Ansley.

Gillard, Labor to govern Australia with independents
Julia Gillard will continue as Prime Minister of Australia after two independent MPs pledged allegiance to the Labor Party this afternoon.

Aust election: Decision expected at 5pm
A decision on which of the two major Australian parties will be able to form a minority government is likely to be announced at 5pm.

Australian election: Key independent chooses Gillard
Julia Gillard is closer to retaining power in Australia with one of the four independents choosing her over Tony Abbott.

Coalition has 'nothing to hide', claims Abbott
Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has spoken out in reply to a Treasury report about his budget costings.

NZ as a republic 'inevitable' - Cullen
Former Deputy PM Michael Cullen has outlined a proposal which would see Parliament elect the Head of State, telling a conference there was "inevitability" about NZ becoming a republic.

Labor draws level as Gillard signs up Greens' Bandt
Caretaker Prime Minister Julia Gillard has moved to shore up her claim for power.

<i>Anne Penketh:</i> President careful not to trumpet mission achieved
President Obama is right to play down the US withdrawal from Iraq.

<i>Editorial:</i> Obama right to turn the page on Iraq
President Barack Obama has brought down the curtain on the seven-year conflict in Iraq.

Gillard signs deal with Greens
An agreement with the Green Party brings Labor's seat tally to a total of 73.

<i>Rodney Hide</i>: Our objective is to make Auckland a greater place
Local Government Minister and Act Party leader Rodney Hide shares his vision for the new Super City.

<i>Brian Rudman</i>: 'First, do no harm' an apt mantra for Super City leaders
Auckland's new masters have been handed a conundrum which will take longer than a single term to master.

Tea Party rally caps off bitter week in politics
Last week was an indecently busy political week in the United States, writes the Independent's Rupert Cornwell.

Unions turn on ANC in power struggle
The South African public service is being riddled with strikes.