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CANBERRA - Kevin Rudd has been officially sworn in as Australia's 26th prime minister.
In a brief ceremony at Government House this morning, Governor-General Michael Jeffery invited Mr Rudd to take the executive oath, effectively ending John Howard's reign as prime minister.
Watched by his wife Therese Rein, their three children - Jessica, Nicholas and Marcus - sister Loree and son-in-law Albert Tse, Mr Rudd's hand shook slightly as he read the oath.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard was also sworn in as her partner Tim Mathieson and her sister Alison looked on.
The families hugged and embraced afterwards before Mr Rudd, Ms Gillard and Major-General Jeffery joined the other members of the new Executive Council for a meeting.
The remaining 18 cabinet ministers, 10 outer ministers and 12 parliamentary secretaries were to be sworn at 10.30am (AEDT).
- AAP
