Gillard: We were losing our way

In her first speech since deposing Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister, Julia Gillard said that it is with the 'greatest humility, resolve and enthusiasm' that she sought the job as Prime Minister.

Sworn in

Gillard was sworn around half an hour later by Governor General Quentin Bryce.

Bryce called on 'the honourable Julia Eileen Gillard MP to hold the office of Prime Minister'

'Miss Gillard, I would you like you to stand...as Prime Minister'

Gillard read the oath declaring her commitment to serve Australia before signing her name and posing for the cameras outside, along with Bryce and her new deputy Wayne Swan.

Priorities outlined

Delivering her first speech, she outlined her priorities for a new government, not least a new attempt to work with the mining industry over the proposed resource super profit tax.

'A good government was losing its way..the basic health and education that Australians rely on is at risk', she said.

She acknowledged she has not been elected Prime Minster by the public and will be asking the Govenor General to call an election in the coming months.

"I am truly honoured to lead this country which I love, I am utterly committed to its people"

Gillard stressed the value of hard work, which her parents taught her, along with respect, and 'doing your bit' for the community.

But she said she was not going to 'sit idly by' and watch an incoming Opposition attack these areas and 'smash rights at work.'

Answering questions this afternoon, Gillard said she would 'never' detail the conversation she had with the PM on Wednesday night.

Credit to former leaders

She paid credit to Bob Hawke and Paul Keating as the 'architects of today's prosperity', and commended John Howard and Peter Costello for continuing these reforms.

In a nod to her slain former boss, she said she particularly gives credit to Kevin Rudd 'for leading the nation through difficult times and keeping people in work.'

Climate, working with the miners

She stressed she believes in man-made climate change and said Australia will need a price on carbon - but not before a community consensus.

Crucially, a consensus would also be sought on the resource super profit tax. She said Australians were entitled to a fairer share of mineral profits, but there must be a consensus, and negotiation.

'I am throwing open the government door to the mining industry, and in return, I ask that the mining industry throw open its mind.'

She said she will cancel controversial government funded advertisements on the mining industry, and asked that as a show of good will, the mining industry also cease running its ads.

She then paid tribute to Australia's troops overseas.

In a final tribute to Rudd, Gillard said she 'believed we needed to do better, but Rudd is a man of remarkable tribute, he made wonderful history for this nation.'

Saying sorry to the Stolen Generations, withdrawing troops from Iraq, maintaining troop numbers in Afghanistan, seeing Australia through the financial crisis, taking on health reform and helping close the gap with indigenous Australians were things that Rudd had achieved, she said.

She also commended him for coming very close to an emissions trading scheme.

Introducing Wayne Swan as the new Deputy Prime Minister, Gillard said that he was 'an outstanding Treasurer and I know he willl make an outstanding Deputy Prime Minister.'

He was also responsible for 'guiding us back to surplus, back into black.'

In turn, Swan said Gillard is 'a first class Prime Minister'

Before questions from the press, Gillard put her fallability on display.

'There will be some days I delight you, there will come days I disappoint you', she said.

Swan spoke briefly in his new role as Deputy.

'Today is a day to buckle down and get back to work', he said.

'It's a really tough day for Kevin, for his family and his staff...but for us it's straight back to work.'

Gillard dismissed questions surrounding her gender.

'First woman, and first redhead', she joked.