Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has answered questions on Syria, asylum seekers and climate -- as well as his favourite beer -- on the popular 'Reddit' website, famous for its 'Ask Me Anything' question and answer sessions.
Take a look at some of the questions and how they were answered by the Labor leader.
Question: Hey Kevin - why do you believe that "BOAT PEOPLE" are such a big issue in this country? We're the only country that really cares about this, and it saddens and confuses me.
Answer: The thing that worries me most is the number of drowning. That's not the fault of boat people, that's the fault of people smugglers. Australia continues to welcome 20,000 refugees a year through our official humanitarian program from refugee camps around the world. KRudd
Question: How do you see the relationship between Australia and China (both economically and culturally) changing as we go into the future? Also I'm currently studying Mandarin as a second language. Do you have any tips? :)
Answer: Getting closer and closer, which is good. As for the language, perseverance and singing in the shower, helps with the tones. KRudd.
Question: How do you feel about military intervention in Syria?
Answer: We can't let a chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians go unanswered. Needs a robust response. Precise contents still to be determined. KRudd
Question: Rudd dog. What's the deal with the media outlets jumping in bed with the opposition and the amount of smeary ads they have put out about you? Love your work and the NBN so keep it up, i have a need for speed and Australia as whole has a need for infrastructure.
Answer: Back at ya j3za dog...
The media have their view - it's been out there, and people will I think see it for what it is.
As for the NBN, that's a crucial issue for Australia, our economy, tapping the potential of our creative people, and for, of course, all people on Reddit who also like gaming, videos and so on. If you haven't already seen it, take a look at AbbottsInternet.com.au. KRudd dog
Question: Hi Kevin. What is your policy on more funding for mental health services
Answer: Thank you for asking about this. It’s an important topic for people across Australia, and we don’t get many chances to discuss it. Issues like depression, self-harm, stress, alcoholism – these are all issues that blight lives and stop people from reaching their potential. The impact on families is also acute.
We’ve taken this area very seriously. We invested in “headspace” centres where young people can get help. It’s vital because mental health issues affect one in every four young Australians in any given year.
I was going to announce this in the next couple of days, but since you’ve asked I’ll tell you now. If we’re re-elected, a government I lead will put in a $34 million investment to open another 10 headspace centres so that we have 100 across the country. We’ll also be expanding e-headspace so people can get access to advice online too. That’s an important investment – money we want to put in so that we have services that can help.
Headspace centres are working – 90% of young people who have used the service reported mental health improvements – and with this expansion, we’d be able to help 80,000 young people every year.
Question: As an American, I would like to know what is your favorite thing about Australia?? I would love to visit some time it looks awesome
Answer: Dropbears. Dropwombats. KRudd
Question: What is your position on Australia's response to climate change?
What is your position on Australia's response to climate change?
Answer: First thing I did as PM was ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Second thing I did was increase our Mandatory Renewable Energy Target to 20% by 2020. Third thing is, we have a price on carbon, which will be a floating price from next July. As a result, our greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation are down 7%. KRudd
Question: As a fellow Australian and Queenslander, I need to know, What is your favourite beer?
Answer: You're not a queenslander if you don't drink xxxx KRudd
