Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Finally the day came. Let's look back on it before saying goodbye.
- Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the election will be on September 7 (in five weeks' time);
- Mr Rudd grabbed the underdog status and said he knows hanging on to power will be difficult;
- Labor will concentrate on the economy, health and education;
- Coalition leader Tony Abbott stressed the unity and stability of his team;
- Mr Abbott wants to focus on the economy, border protection and "social solidarity"; and
- the Greens are promising to inject the compassion back into politics.
So it's over to you people. It's your choice.
I'm looking forward to your company over the next five weeks. Alex Ellinghausen, Andrew Meares and I will be with you for the duration. Let's enjoy it.
See you in the morning.
So before I wrap up let me advise you of some dates (courtesy of the Australian Electoral Commission):
- August 4, 2013 - election announced
- August 5, 2013 - writs issued
- 8pm August 12, 2013 - electoral rolls closed
- midday August 15, 2013 - close of candidate nominations
- midday August 16, 2013 - declaration of candidate nominations
- September 7, 2013 - election day
- November 13, 2013 - return of writs (latest dates)
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott visits the press gallery after his press conference at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausaen
And I now have available for your reading pleasure the text of Mr Abbott's opening statement.
Let me point you in the direction of some very groovy interactive election related graphics.
This one looks at 30 of the most hotly contested seats in the election campaign.
Here you will find the all important electoral pendulum.
This one looks at the parties' various policy offerings to date.
Mr Abbott makes his case for the prime ministership.
Abbott: 'The people finally get their say'
Tony Abbott says September 7th will 'finally give the people' a say in who leads the country, and defends the Coalition as a "fair dinkum" alternative government.
- Autoplay OnOff
- Video feedback
- Video settings
In relation to the debates (about which there will be a debate) the Coalition has proposed three encounters - one debate between the leaders at the National Press Club to be held in Canberra next Sunday, a forum at the Rooty Hill RSL in Sydney with questions from voters and another debate in Brisbane.
Personally, I'm all for debates - the more information, the better.
And that's it from Mr Abbott.
(18 minutes and 40 seconds for my time keeping friends.)
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
But Mr Abbott fudges when asked if he is prepared to debate Mr Rudd tomorrow night.
"There will be a series of debates," he promises but will not answer directly about the proposition for the one on offer tomorrow night.
Mr Abbott says people "want a government that gets things done, not a government that is all talk no action".
Mr Abbott says he will not lead a minority government and "if there is a hung Parliament there will not be a minority government led by Tony Abbott".
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Abbott says the Coalition's policies will be released in good time before election day and will be fully costed.
Mr Abbott is now taking questions.
The first one is about debates.
Mr Abbott says he is open to more than one debate and that the letter sent by campaign director Brian Loughnane to the ALP will be released shortly.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott speaks to the media at Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
"Do you really think Australia needs another three years like the six it just had?" Mr Abbott asks voters.
"I am ready. My team is ready. You've watched us for three years. You've seen the stability, you've seen the unity, you've seen the strength. We won't let you down."
"I'm determined to build a country where no one ever feels like a stranger," Mr Abbott says.
"One of the things that has been most dismaying about the current government has been its attempts to turn Australian against Australian."
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday 4 August 2013. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Abbott says he is "happy to place himself at the judgement of the Australian people".
Mr Abbott promises to deliver a stronger economy, cut regulation and to "stop the boats".
"We won't rely simply on another country doing the job for us," Mr Abbott says.
"No one should be more determined to help this country than the Australian prime minister."
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Coalition leader Tony Abbott says he wants to "directly address the people of Australia".
"At last the choice is yours. It's not the choice of the caucus, it's not the choice of the faceless men."
Mr Abbott says it is a choice between "positive plans of the Coalition and more of the same under the Australian Labor Party and Mr Rudd".
Mr Abbott says the election is not about trust but about "who is more fair dinkum".
Rock enrol people, rock enrol.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The Fairfax Media online team have produced this nifty two minute guide to the election announcement.
You've just got time to watch it before Coalition leader Tony Abbott's press conference at 5pm.
2013 election: 'It's on.'
Kevin Rudd calls the federal election for September 7th, framing the debate in terms of trust, economic management, and negative Coalition campaigning.
- Autoplay OnOff
- Video feedback
- Video settings
Greens leader Christine Milne has issued a statement about the election.
"While Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott continue to fight each other in a race to the bottom on important issues like climate change and asylum seekers, the Greens are standing up for what matters," Senator Milne says.
"The Australian Greens will be calling on people to vote for a caring and sustainable Australia and to vote against cruelty and environmental destruction."
Senator Milne says the Greens will campaign on issues including asylum seekers, the environment and education.
Unlike either Labor or the Coalition the Greens have not asked for donations in their first campaign statement.
Instead, they have urged people to enrol to vote.
"If you are aged 18 or over I encourage you to enrol to vote so you don't miss out on having a say at this year's federal election," Senator Milne says. "Your vote will help determine who runs our country."
Let's take a quick moment to wish the US President Barack Obama a happy 51st birthday.
Incidentally September 21 - the other mooted election date - is Mr Rudd's birthday. I rather liked the idea of Mr Rudd having the chutzpah to dare people to vote him out of office on his birthday.
Breaking news reporter Jonathan Swan has confirmed Labor's campaign slogan will be "A new way".
(Which is, obviously, a three word slogan.)
Mr Rudd wraps up his press conference saying it is cold and he "looks forward to seeing you on the campaign trail".
A colleague notes the press conference went for 28 minutes and nine seconds.
(And no, Mr Rudd did not "zip".)
Coalition leader Tony Abbott will hold a press conference in Canberra later this afternoon. It should be soon if he wants to make it onto the evening news.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
From Coalition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey:
It's not about you Kevin
— Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) August 4, 2013
Mr Rudd says he has already received an invitation from Sky News to participate in a debate with Coalition leader Tony Abbott tomorrow night.
"I'm in like Flynn," Mr Rudd says before offering to be available for a debate on each Sunday night of the campaign on each of the networks.
"You can run but you can't hide," Mr Rudd says laying down the gauntlet to Mr Abbott.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd (who is wearing a tie that can only be described as fuchsia) confirms the local government referendum cannot take place.
It's a pity, he says, but there was little point given the Coalition is divided on the issue making a positive outcome unlikely.
Mr Rudd is asked about the role of former prime minister Julia Gillard twice.
He mentions "Julia" twice in relation to education reform.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The September 7 poll date means Mr Rudd will no longer attend the G20 meeting in St Petersburg.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr will now attend, he says.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
"You the Australian people know me pretty well - warts and all," Mr Rudd says. You have "seen me at some of my highest highs and lowest lows".
Mr Rudd claims the underdog status saying he knows it will be hard to win. If the election had been held yesterday Labor would have lost.
He asks "each and every one of you" to donate time, money, anything to help Labor win.
(I think this might be the first time a prime minister has used the election announcement to solicit donations.)
"It is now time for the Australian people to decide," Mr Rudd says before taking questions.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd says Labor will campaign on the economy, health and education.
He warns of a "$70 billion slash and burn austerity drive" that a Coalition government would embark on.
Mr Rudd says people face a choice between "positive plans" and the "old negative politics and three word slogans of the past".
("Cuts to the bone" as a catch phrase is back, by the way.)
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd says it is better to "level with the Australian people" about the choices made rather than pretend you can "wave a magic wand" and fix problems.
He criticised the Coalition - but not by name - for talking down the economy.
"It's a false claim and should be named as such," Mr Rudd says.
Mr Rudd says he is a "kid from the bush" whose parents "didn't go much past primary school".
He was able to go to be prime minister.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd says the election will be about "who the Australian people best judge to get the balance right".
The "choppy waters" of the changing economy requires a "clear head and a steady hand", Mr Rudd says.
"Three words slogans don't solve complex problems. They never have and they never will."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd confirms the election: "Australia is too positive a nation to retreat into a little ball of negativity".
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks to the media at Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Ahem, Tasmanian Labor Senator Lisa Singh:
On this day of great leader's @BarackObama birthday another great leader @KRuddMP announces election Sept 7 - slogans vs substance.#auspol
— Lisa Singh (@Lisa_Singh) August 4, 2013
But who will be the most threatened species of all?
September 7th is Threatened Species Day, chance to vote for Tas Devil,theTarkine, the leadbeater's possum, GBR, forests. Only Greens care.
— Christine Milne (@senatormilne) August 4, 2013
The image from the afore mentioned tweet:
Kevin Rudd tweeted this photo, about 20 minutes before he was due to address the media, with the caption: "Just some final touches to my speech about the choice Australians will make on September 7. KRudd"
The stage is set.
The scene in the Prime Minister's courtyard at Parliament House. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Meanwhile....
Just some final touches to my speech about the choice Australians will make on September 7. KRudd http://t.co/7P5aGyhxt8
— Kevin Rudd (@KRuddMP) August 4, 2013
The official paperwork for the election - the writs - will be issued tomorrow.
Once that happens there are seven days before the rolls close.
It's your country people - make sure you have your say. As they say, history is made by those who show up.
It's all about money. Clearly neither side has enough.
Now an email has gone out to Coalition supporters courtesy of the Liberal National Party President, Bruce McIver.
The Coalition is asking for $34 - $1 for each day of the campaign.
"Without your support we will be outspent by Labor's cashed up union movement," Mr McIver writes.
"The election is the clearest choice in a generation - it's a choice between a truly united Coalition with our Real Solutions Plan or Labor and its chaos, division, dysfunction. Only the Coalition has a plan to build a strong, prosperous economy and a safe, secure Australia. The Coalition offers real change and will deliver a genuinely united government and a better future for all Australians."
"Labor hasn't changed at all over the last six years - it's still the same Kevin Rudd and same old Labor."
Back to Mr Rudd's email (see 3.29 pm post).
"Australians how face a choice. And the choice couldn't be starker," Mr Rudd writes.
"I have a positive vision about the country we can be. In this election I'll be talking with Australians across the country about better schools for our kids, investing so we can create good jobs and about how the NBN can keep our economy strong."
"Tony Abbott has a different approach. He'll bang on with the same negativity that we're all sick of. He's only got three word slogans because he doesn't have the ticker to debate his real agenda. Right now the only thing standing between Australia and an Abbott-led government is you, me and as many Australians as we can rally to fight for the kind of nation we call want to live in."
Mr Rudd then asks supporters to donate $5 to "get us off to a strong start".
"We've got one hell of a fight on our hands," the email concludes. "Abbott and a few millionaires will out sepnd us. But is we join together we can even the playing field."
Mr Rudd's office has confirmed a press conference in the Prime Minister's courtyard at Parliament House.
Media are to assemble by 4pm (which is not the same thing as the press conference starting at 4pm.)
Ladies and gentlemen - the twitter election:
Just left Government House. It's time for Australians to decide. A positive plan for Australia's future or old negative politics. KRudd
— Kevin Rudd (@KRuddMP) August 4, 2013
Sydney Liberal MP Alex Hawke gets the gold star for first guy from his side to get out an election related tweet:
This election will be the clearest choice in a generation A choice for Hope, Reward & Opportunity or more of the chaos of past 5yrs #auspol
— Alex Hawke MP (@AlexHawkeMP) August 4, 2013
An email to Labor supporters has just arrived in inboxes around the country.
"It's on", the email begins.
"A few moments ago I saw the Governor-General and asked that she dissolve this parliament and call the federal election for September 7."
While we wait for news of Mr Rudd's press conference here are a couple of articles you might find useful.
The Sydney Morning Herald's political editor, Peter Hartcher, wrote this analysis about what the campaign will look like.
Chief political correspondent Mark Kenny broke the news yesterday of the election date.
Political editor of The Sun Herald and The Sunday Age, Chris Johnson, wrote this piece in this morning's newspapers looking at the men who will direct the campaigns for both major parties - George Wright (Labor) and Brian Loughnane (Coalition).
Mr Rudd has finished meeting with the Governor General.
He is now on his way back to Parliament House to make the official announcement.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd departs Government House on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd will now be asking Ms Bryce to dissolve Parliament ahead of an election.
Mr Rudd will then go back to Parliament House and hold a press conference to make the official announcement.
The safe money is on September 7 which gives us a five week campaign. It means the local government referendum will not take place. The earliest date it could have been held was September 14 - the date chosen by former prime minister Julia Gillard.
Mr Rudd has just arrived at Government House where he was greeted by the Official Secretary to the Governor General, Stephen Brady.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrives at Government House in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The Prime Minister's car - C1 - popped into the Lodge and is now heading down Dunrossil Drive, the road leading to Government House.
(So much of today's coverage bears a striking similarity to royal wedding coverage.)
You can follow the story in greater detail here with coverage anchored by breaking news reporter Judith Ireland and the Fairfax Media team.
The media is waiting for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to arrive at the Yarralumla residence of the Governor General, Quentin Bryce.
A member of Mr Rudd's security scene can be seen in the grounds making sure everything is okay.
An officer from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's security team arrives at Government House in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
It's on people. Democracy in action. Join us for our live coverage of the election announcement.
Featured comment: