National
Goodbye Kevin …
An emotional Kevin Rudd quit politics on Wednesday night, saying his family had declared that enough was enough.
The former prime minister of Australia made the announcement to the House of Representatives in the early evening, saying his retirement was effective at the end of this week. “The decision that I have made has not been taken lightly, particularly given the big attachment I have for the community I proudly represented in this place these past 15 years,” Rudd said.
The Queensland Labor MP said it had been a privilege to serve as prime minister, and it had been a great privilege to return as the Labor leader before the September election.
“My family have given their all for me in public life, and for the nation. It’s now time I gave something back to them,” Rudd said, choking back tears. “This has been the product of much soul searching for us as a family over the last few months.”
Rudd said his intention post-politics was to establish a national apology foundation, and continue his longstanding interest in international relations.
“I am passionately Australian and passionately a citizen of the world,” he said. “I intend to be active in the international community in areas where I can make a genuine contribution to peace and stability, global economic governance and sustainable development, including climate change.”
The emotional speech prompted a standing ovation in the chamber and sparked emotional tributes in kind.
Labor colleagues rallied in the chamber to salute the former prime minister at the obviously difficult moment of his exit, and a number of senior Coalition figures gave gracious speeches paying tribute to Rudd’s achievements in office and his personal attributes.