I am finally going to sign off. But, first, a recap of the day that was:
- Kevin Rudd has been elected leader of the Labor Party;
- Anthony Albanese is his deputy;
- Julia Gillard has resigned the prime ministership and will leave politics at the election;
- independent MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott will also leave;
- the Coalition wants an election as soon as possible.
Tomorrow Mr Rudd and Mr Albanese will visit Government House to be sworn in as prime minister and deputy prime minister.
Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I will be with you to bring you all the details of the day - who might be in the new ministry, when the election might be and the last sitting day of the House of Representatives.
Thank you so, so much to everyone who read, contributed and stuck with us through the day.
Get some sleep. It's going to be a big day -again - tomorrow.
Mr Abbott says Mr Rudd should name the election date as soon as possible.
Mr Abbott says people would react with "an overwhelming wave of abhorrence" if Mr Rudd decided to have a later election (than September 14).
Mr Abbott was accompanied by his deputy, Julie Bishop. He means to send a clear signal that the Coalition has a stable leadership team whereas Labor does not.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott at a late night press conference on Wednesday.
Mr Abbott will not speculate as to whether or not he will try and call on a no confidence motion tomorrow.
"I'm not interest in playing parliamentary games. I think the people of Australia are sick of parliamentary games," Mr Abbott says.
Mr Abbott says Mr Rudd should name an election date.
He has not spoken to the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott addresses the media late on Wednesday night. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Abbott: "In 2007 you voted for Kevin and got Julia, in 2010 you voted for Julia and got Kevin. Who will you get in 2013?"
(I'm willing to bet we will hear this statement a lot over the next few days, weeks and months.)
Mr Abbott says Mr Rudd "is obviously a skilful politician" in order to bring about the leadership change.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott: "I want to say directly to the people of Australia - you deserve better than this."
Mr Abbott repeats his call for an early election.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop address the media late on Wednesday night. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr: "Suddenly the election has become very contestable. There is now hope."
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will make a statement very soon.
Mr Rudd says he has already met with Ian Watt, the secretary of the Department of Prime and Cabinet, and will briefings on the budget in coming days.
He has not yet met the Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
Neither Mr Rudd nor Mr Albanese take any questions.
Prime minister elect Kevin Rudd during a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Albanese says "Julia [Gillard] and Wayne [Swan] are not just people that I've worked with.....but also close friends".
Neither man has said anything about the timing of the election or who might be chosen for the new ministry.
Mr Rudd introduces "Deputy Prime Minister Albo".
(Note that neither have yet been sworn in so are only prime minister elect and deputy prime minister elect.)
Mr Albanese says his is a typically Labor story. He is the "son of a single parent who grew up in a council house in Sydney".
He promises "enthusiasm, passion and commitment" to the Labor cause.
"Please come back and listen afresh," prime minister elect Kevin Rudd says to young voters.
"With your energy we can start cooking with gas."
Prime Minister elect Kevin Rudd during a press conference on Wednesday night. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Rudd says he's been thinking about the global economy a lot lately and "bad things are happening out there".
Mr Rudd says his decision to return is "pretty basic" and "pretty clear".
"I do not have it in my nature to stand idly by and allow an Abbott government to come to power in this country by default," he says.
Kevin Rudd and Anthony Albanese address the media at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd says of Ms Gillard: "She is a woman of extraordinary intelligence, great strength and energy."
Mr Rudd says Ms Gillard faced difficult circumstances given the hung Parliament.
Mr Rudd says were it not for "Julia" there would not be the better industrial relations and education policies that are now in place.
Mr Rudd also pays tribute to Mr Swan, particularly the work they did together keeping Australia "out of a global catastrophe".
Kevin Rudd and Anthony Albanese have turned up. Both are wearing blue ties.
Mr Rudd says: "In recent years politics has failed the Australian people. There has been too much negativity around."
Mr Rudd is still late (for anyone who is wondering this is pretty usual for him).
While we are waiting please read the great Tony Wright's take on Ms Gillard's final press conference.
Mr Rudd is late for his press conference. More than one person has observed that nothing much has changed since he was last Labor leader.
Julia Gillard has now left Government House.
The Fairfax Media team has been busy.
Let me direct you to their efforts:
- chief political correspondent Mark Kenny on the decision of the Labor caucus to call time on Julia Gillard's leadership;
- The Age's national political editor Tony Wright on "dropping purls before swine" (Tony's words are always best);
- just who is this Bill Shorten chap anyway?; and
- the Coalition is preparing for a fight in Sydney and Melbourne seats.
Wayne Swan leaves his press conference on Wednesday night. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The video of Ms Gillard's press conference:
Julia Gillard bows out
Prime minister Julia Gillard has resigned her position and will not recontest the next election.
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A statement has come from Mr Rudd and Mr Albanese in which they are referred to as "Prime Minister" and "Deputy Prime Minister" respectively.
They advise they will hold a press conference at 10.15pm in the blue room (the ministerial press conference room).
Just a point here but they have not been sworn in yet so that use of titles seems, what's the word, presumptuous.
Joe Ludwig also confirms in a statement his resignation as agriculture minister.
Senator Ludwig will stay in politics and "campaign for the re election of the Rudd Labor government".
It is understood Kevin Rudd and Anthony Albanese will hold a press conference at 10pm (ish).
Which gives me time to tell you that Peter Garrett is not only resigning from the ministry but his Sydney seat of Kingsford Smith (another vacant seat).
"I was a front man who chose to be a team player and make a difference in politics. I do not, for one moment, regret that choice," Mr Garrett said in a statement.
"It has been a privilege to serve as a loyal cabinet minister for nearly six years, having participated in a number of crucial reforms that only Labor governments can achieve. I am especially proud to have had stewardship of the most significant education reforms we have witnessed, like the national curriculum, first national teaching standards and much needed investment for literacy and numeracy and indigenous education."
Mr Swan says: "Experience can either make you bitter or better. I choose the latter."
Mr Swan says he hopes his experiences will "shine on the better angels of my nature".
"There is a lot on the line and we owe it to the hard working people of Australia to fight this campaign as hard as we can and as successfully as we can," Mr Swan says.
"The nation deserves a vigorous political contest."
(In this time Ms Gillard has left Parliament House and arrived at Government House. I know Canberra traffic is light but that's pretty efficient.)
Wayne Swan is now speaking. He pays tribute to Julia Gillard as "one of the toughest warriors" the Labor Party has known.
"Every decision I've ever taken as a politician has been grounded in the community," Mr Swan says.
Mr Swan says he will recontest his seat but is stepping down from his ministerial position.
Wayne Swan addresses the media at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Ms Gillard says she wants to make some comments about her status as Australia's first prime minister.
"There's been a lot of analysis about the so called gender wars," Ms Gillard.
"Me playing the so-called gender wars because heavens knows no one noticed I was a woman until I raised it....The reaction to being the first female prime minister does not explain everything about me prime ministership, nor does it explain nothing about my prime ministership."
Ms Gillard says it is "for the nation to think in a sophisticated way about those shades of grey".
"What I am absolutely confident of is it will be easier for the next woman and the woman after that and the woman after that and I'm proud of that."
Her voice wavers but does not break.
Ms Gillard finishes her press conference by saying she texted her niece who went into labour today with the comment: "Look forward to the most meddlesome, great aunt in Australia's history."
Ms Gillard leaves and takes no questions.
Julia Gillard addresses the media at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Julia Gillard thanks her colleagues for standing by her through all the speculation and media hype.
She says she understands that today "the pressure got too great".
"I respect that decision," Ms Gillard says.
Ms Gillard says Labor can win the election.
"I know that it can be done, that it will best be done by putting the divisions of the past behind us and uniting as a political party."
Ms Gillard pays tribute to Defence Force personnel. She notes she has attended 24 funerals of service people killed in Afghanistan and pays tribute to their families.
Ms Gillard says she was proud to be the first female prime minister.
She lists the achievements she is most proud of - the price on carbon, education reforms, the introduction of DisabilityCare, the Royal Commission into sexual abuse of children in institutions and foreign policy achievements.
Julia Gillard addresses the media at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
"Three years ago I had the honour of being elected Labor leader," Ms Gillard says.
"This privilege was truly humbling. I thank the Labor Party for that privilege and I thank the Australian people for their support."
Ms Gillard says her working environment has "not been easy" due to the combined circumstances of minority government and internal party dissent.
Julia Gillard addresses the media at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Julia Gillard congratulates Mr Rudd on his election and says she has written to the Governor-General informing her of the decision.
Ms Gillard will go to Government House shortly.
Ms Gillard confirms her decision to resign from Parliament.
Wayne Swan will hold a press conference "shortly after the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard", according to his statement.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard (and she still has that title) will hold a press conference at 9.15 pm.
Here we go with the resignations.
A statement from Craig Emerson has also just arrived in which he confirms he is resigning his ministry and leaving politics altogether (creating another vacancy for the Queensland seat of Rankin).
"It has been a wonderful privilege to have been a Cabinet minister in the Gillard Labor government," Mr Emerson said.
"Julia Gillard has been a great reforming Prime Minister in the great Labor tradition. I owe her a big debt of gratitude for putting her confidence in me and entrusting me with responsibilities that are so important to Australia's future. Julia Gillard has shown enormous courage in implementing landmark Labor reforms that will be remembered for generations to come."
Greg Combet has resigned his ministry position.
Mr Combet has congratulated Mr Rudd on his election and "the resolution of the leadership of the Labor Party".
"It is now important that Mr Rudd has a clear opportunity to argue Labor's case and to appoint his own team to take up the fight to Tony Abbott," Mr Combet said in a statement.
"It is well known that I have been a strong supporter of Julia Gillard. In the circumstances, I believe it is appropriate that I resign from my position as Minister for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation. This is the right thing to do."
Three years and two days later....
Julia Gillard departs the caucus meeting on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd exits the meeting with Mr Albanese by his side and followed by Penny Wong (the new Senate leader) and Senator Jacinta Collins (who was elected deputy Senate leader).
Kevin Rudd departs the caucus meeting on Wednesday night. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Caucus secretary Chris Hayes announces that the new deputy leader of the Labor Party is Anthony Albanese.
Simon Crean also put his hand up for the job but was defeated 61 votes to 38 (there were three informal votes).
Mr Hayes says he just wants to go and watch the State of Origin (he goes for NSW, by the way).
I was about to say the Labor caucus meeting is still going but it has broken up (after one and three quarters hours).
Ms Gillard walks out with a smile on her face surrounded by Wayne Swan, Craig Emerson and other supporters.
Why all the talk of no confidence motions, the Governor-General and a possible early election?
Timing, basically - the combination of a minority government and a leadership change in the governing party so close to an election means we have a unique set of constitutional circumstances.
University of NSW constitutional expert George Williams has told Fairfax Media that although Mr Rudd is the leader of the governing Labor Party this does not mean he will necessarily be the Prime Minister. Mr Rudd still needs the support of the crossbench to deliver him a parliamentary majority.
I can also confirm that Penny Wong has been elected Senate leader (replacing Stephen Conroy who did double duty as communications minister).
The president of the ACTU, Ged Kearney, has confirmed she will not nominate for Labor now that there is a vacant seat in Lalor.
A Labor MP has confirmed to Fairfax Media that ministers Wayne Swan, Stephen Conroy, Craig Emerson and Joe Ludwig have resigned their positions.
It is understood the issue of who will be the party's new deputy leader is still being thrashed out by the caucus.
Senator Stephen Conroy arrives for the leadership ballot on Wednesday night. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
This issue of a no confidence motion has been swirling all day and puts the crossbench right at the heart of the action.
Apart from Mr Wilkie we know that Bob Katter and Craig Thomson would support Mr Rudd against a no confidence motion.
Tony Windsor would not.
The positions of the Greens and Rob Oakeshott are unclear.
A spokesman for Mr Oakeshott says he will not have a formal position on Mr Rudd's return and the possible no confidence issues it could create until tomorrow.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie is quick off the mark in reacting to Mr Rudd's return.
He has already written to Mr Rudd assuring him of his confidence in the House of Representatives.
"It's not my job to take sides in the Labor Party leadership," Mr Wilkie said in a statement.
"I've come to the conclusion that the public interest is best served by a smooth transition to the new prime minister. So I will not support any no confidence motion in the government or in the prime minister simply on the basis of this leadership change."
Mr Wilkie noted the election was scheduled for September 14 and the "public interest is not served by a no confidence vote undoubtedly leading to a snap House of Representative election".
National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce has delivered his valedictory speech this evening. (He leaves to contest the lower house seat of New England, a much easier task given Tony Windsor's decision to retire.)
He acknowledged that not everyone might have been listening.
"It reminds me very much of what The Grateful Dead said when they came on between The Who and Jimi Hendrix," Senator Joyce said.
"They said they were the most forgettable act at Woodstock and I think I will be too."
Senator Joyce thanked people "for your tolerance of me over so many years".
"I hope I have not disgraced you too much," he concluded.
To clarify - Mr Rudd has been elected Labor leader.
He is not the Prime Minister until he is sworn in by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.
The Coalition parties also began a special meeting at about 8pm.
Coalition strategists have always feared the return of Kevin Rudd as Labor leader because they believe he could cause them electoral grief.
Julia Gillard's term as Australia's first female prime minister lasted three years and two days.
Ms Gillard's departure from politics leaves her Melbourne seat of Lalor in need of a Labor candidate for the election.
It is Labor's fifth safest seat which it holds by a margin of 22.1 per cent.
Given Ms Gillard is now no longer Labor leader or prime minister it is fair to conclude that her ministers would also stand down.
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and School Education Minister Peter Garrett have previously said they would not serve as ministers under Mr Rudd.
Although it has not been confirmed, the strength of Treasurer Wayne Swan's loyalty to Ms Gillard would indicate he would also step down. The same could be said for Trade Minister Craig Emerson.
Mr Hayes says it took so long because "we counted the votes one by one".
Mr Hayes says Julia Gillard addressed the caucus on "the strength of her vision for the nation".
Mr Hayes says he does not know if there was a spill for the deputy leadership position because he thought he should come and announce the result as soon as possible.
Mr Hayes says he left the meeting as Mr Swan was addressing the meeting.
Labor caucus secretary Chris Hayes announces the result of the leaders ballot: Kevin Rudd has 57 votes to Julia Gillard's 45.
Kevin Rudd is returned as leader of the Labor Party.
This means Julia Gillard will leave politics at the election.
Back in February 2012 Julia Gillard beat Kevin Rudd 71 votes to 31 votes.
Waiting, waiting, waiting.
Attendants look towards the caucus room as the leadership ballot continues. Photo: Andrew Meares
Meanwhile, the Senate still sits.
What is strange is that at least one Labor senator - Louise Pratt - is in there and speaking. Which means she is not in the caucus meeting which means she is not voting.
Leadership contenders are given the opportunity to make a statement to MPs before the ballot. Then everyone has to vote and the vote has to be counted. That is why it is taking a while.
Mr Albanese's office has put out the draft schedule for the House of Representatives tomorrow (as they usually do about this time). A cheerful spokesman replied "still governing" when one reporter congratulated him on his optimism and focus.
While we wait here is the video of Mr Shorten's press statement (it wasn't a conference because he didn't take any questions).
Bill Shorten throws support behind Rudd
Cabinet minister Bill Shorten has thrown his support behind Kevin Rudd 'for the sake of the Labor movement' in the lead-up to the caucus vote.
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The Senate is valiantly sitting on. Without a single Labor senator. It moves to a different rhythm, the upper house.
Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen are in the media pen that has been set up outside the caucus room (along with the rest of the press gallery). It is from this vantage point that they are are able to take photos.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrives for the leadership ballot on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
The meeting has begun.
I know we are in a one-second news cycle at the moment but this may take a little time. You've got time to go to the toilet (I think). Just come straight back, okay?
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has arrived surrounded by a phalanx of supporters including ministers Wayne Swan, Craig Emerson, Kate Lundy, Joe Ludwig, Kate Ellis and her parliamentary secretary Andrew Leigh.
Kevin Rudd has walked in alone.
Labor MP Kevin Rudd arrives for the leadership ballot. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Labor MP Dick Adams has just entered the caucus room with the ballot box into which Labor MPs will put their leadership votes.
Mr Shorten was ashen faced as he made his announcement. He has been under enormous pressure from his colleagues to step in and "do something" about the leadership stalemate. Now he has - and has dealt a blow to the chances of Ms Gillard (the woman he helped install as prime minister) staying on as leader.
Mr Shorten says he understands the decision may come at a "personal risk".
"The future of the Labor Party is at risk," Mr Shorten says.
Kevin Rudd is the best change the Labor Party has of winning the election, he says.
"Australians, regardless of their politics, want to see the Labor Party perform as best it can," Mr Shorten says.
"The best interests of the Labor Party must come first ... not factions."
Mr Shorten said he would resign his ministry if Ms Gillard won and would serve in any capacity under Mr Rudd.
Mr Shorten did not take any questions and has now left.
Mr Shorten says he backs Kevin Rudd.
Bill Shorten arrives to make a media statement ahead of the Labor Party ballot on Wednesday night. Photo: Andrew Meares
Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten says he has already spoken to Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
What guides him, he says, "is what's best for the Australian people" and the Labor cause.
"I believe that this government has delivered once in a generation reform in v difficult circumstances," Mr Shorten says.
"I believe Tony Abbot and his conservative Coalition provide a once in a generation risk."
They are quick those Liberal Party operatives. Here is an attack ad they just happened to whip up in the past little while.
'I will be a candidate'
Kevin Rudd declares he will run for the leadership when the Labor caucus convenes. Watch his seven minute press conference in full.
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Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten (who was so crucial in elevating Ms Gillard into the prime ministership in June 2010) is about to confirm exactly where he stands in all of this.
He will make a statement at about 6.30 pm.
Only a short time ago his spokesperson was saying he would not be making any comment on the leadership ballot.
Another minister in the PM's camp:
Confident that @JuliaGillard has support of caucus
— Brendan O'Connor (@BOConnorMP) June 26, 2013
No politician is safe if they step outside their office as reporters roam the halls of Parliament House looking for new information, angles and comments.
Mr Rudd braved the pack but would only say: "I'm feeling pretty good about it all guys, that's all you need to know."
At this point I should remind you that although Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen are on duty the rules governing where photography is and is not allowed inside Parliament House mean they cannot take photos of people in corridors and common areas.
The three of us will be with you up to, through and after the meeting.
The 7pm meeting will also have to hold a vote for the position of deputy leader.
It is a separate vote and although it has not been officially confirmed the position will be declared open, it is safe to assume that will happen.
In order to make sure Labor MPs can attend the meeting, the leader of the house, Anthony Albanese, has successfully moved to adjourn the House of Representatives (the Senate - at this point - sits on). It will resume tomorrow morning.
Treasurer Wayne Swan is tweeting up a storm on behalf of Ms Gillard:
In all my yrs in politics, I’ve never met anyone with a Labor heart like @juliagillard’s. Hers is a true Labor Govt driven by Labor values.
— Wayne Swan (@SwannyDPM) June 26, 2013
A pro-Gillard source has told Fairfax Media that the contest is very close but that the Prime Minister is a bit behind and would be making calls up to 7pm.
It is understood Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten is still supporting Ms Gillard but is not discouraging others who want to support Mr Rudd.
Votes are, obviously, being furiously counted but the work of Parliament continues.
The House of Representatives has returned to debating the government's proposed changes to the 457 visa program.
Independent MP Tony Windsor has finished his valedictory speech. His colleagues gave him a 10 - for the speech, his time in Parliament and being an all round top bloke.
Independent MP Tony Windsor delivers his valedictory speech in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
There are 102 members of the Labor caucus. Either challenger needs at least 52 votes to win.
However, a slim majority is bad news. Both Ms Gillard and Mr Rudd have said they would retire if they lost in order to end the saga. But winning by a small margin would demonstrate the division within the party.
Rudd sources have told Fairfax Media he is confident of 60 votes but expects to gather more by 7 pm.
The leader of the house and Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, is expected to run as Mr Rudd's deputy.
Breaking news reporter Judith Ireland has filed this story on the leadership challenge.
Here is the video of Mr Rudd's statement announcing he will challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard for the Labor leadership.
'I will be a candidate'
Kevin Rudd declares he will run for the leadership when the Labor caucus convenes. Watch his seven minute press conference in full.
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Treasurer Wayne Swan's take on things:
.@JuliaGillard is the toughest person I know – she’s a remarkable PM who I know will beat Tony Abbott on Sept 14
— Wayne Swan (@SwannyDPM) June 26, 2013
The family that does the numbers together stays together.
Kevin Rudd with his daughter Jessica after announcing he will challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard in a leadership ballot tonight. Photo: Andrew Meares
Meanwhile, reporter Daniel Hurst is in the House of Representatives watching Mr Windsor's valedictory speech:
Windsor's valedictory speech is in its 40th minute. Gillard still in the house watching it.
— Daniel Hurst (@danielhurstbne) June 26, 2013
To recap: Mr Rudd has made a pitch entirely focussed on how he would take on Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. He has said it was people's pleas that he run again to prevent a Coalition government that convinced him to stand again for the Labor leadership.
Mr Rudd has demonstrated - again - one of the great mysteries of Australian politics: that he is an effective communicator to the general public even if he is not so good at dealing with his colleagues.
This will be the third time caucus has dealt with the leadership since the 2010 election (plus a fourth against Kevin Rudd in June 2010).
Mr Rudd says he does "not seek to fudge the fact that I have changed my position" but has simply given his politics.
If he is successful, Mr Rudd says he will devote "every fibre" of his being to fight the Coalition.
There will be "no recriminations" against people who vote against him, Mr Rudd says, and says people who want to serve under him will be able to continue doing so.
If he loses he will resign from politics, Mr Rudd says.
Mr Rudd ends his appearance and takes no questions.
Kevin Rudd announces he will challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard in a leadership ballot tonight. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Rudd says people do not feel like they have a "real choice" at the upcoming election.
They feel like "we are leaving them with no choice but to vote for Mr Abbott," says Mr Rudd.
Mr Rudd lists the economy, industrial relations and the environment as issues people want resolved.
A "strong, proven, national leader" is needed as Australia faces new challenges, Mr Rudd says.
Mr Abbott will "drive the economy into recession," Mr Rudd says.
"I believe with all my heart that I owe it to the Australian people to offer them a viable alternative," Mr Rudd says.
Kevin Rudd announces he will challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard in a leadership ballot tonight. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Rudd says he was aware of the petition but it is no longer needed.
Many MPs have asked to run "because of the parlous circumstances we now face," Mr Rudd says.
"For the nation's sake I believe it is time that this issue be resolved."
"Tens of thousands" of members of the public have also asked him to stand," Mr Rudd says.
"They are genuinely fearful of what Mr Abbott could do to them if he is elected as he is on track to do ... No one forgets WorkChoices."
"We are on a course for a catastrophic defeat unless there is a change," Mr Rudd says.
Kevin Rudd arrives to announce he will challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard in a leadership ballot tonight. Photo: Andrew Meares
Kevin Rudd says he will be a candidate in the 7pm ballot. He is accompanied by his daughter, Jessica.
Kevin Rudd arrives for his media appearance to announce he will challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard in a leadership ballot tonight. Photo: Andrew Meares
The Labor caucus room is lined with pictures of everyone who has been leader. (Mr Rudd has not yet appeared.)
Pictures of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard on the wall of the caucus room in Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
I apologise to people who were waiting for the report of Mr Windsor's valedictory speech. I will endeavour to come back to it later on.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard is on the floor of the House of Representatives listening to him. She doesn't look too worried, does she?
Prime Minister Julia Gillard during independent MP Tony Windsor's valedictory speech on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Minister, Bob Carr, has confirmed Mr Carr has delayed leaving for a planned visit to Indonesia to attend tonight's meeting.
Kevin Rudd will hold a press conference at 5pm.
Labor MP Michael Danby says he supports Ms Gillard.
"We've had a number of challenges, we've had this underground movement," Mr Danby says of the undermining of Ms Gillard.
"Enough is enough. If you win you stay, if you don't win you resign from politics. The Labor Party is a political organisation, not Coronation Street."
The Prime Minister has employed a similar tactic to the one she deployed back in February - bringing the ballot on quickly rather than letting numbers drift away over time.
It is a high risk strategy but, if the past three years have demonstrated anything, it is that Ms Gillard is not afraid of a fight and that she has nerves of steel.
The difference this time is that Ms Gillard has set the bar high for the loser - that he (because we all know who she is talking about) will leave politics forever and stop acting as a thorn in the side for whoever remains in control.
Tonight will be the third time the caucus has dealt with the party's leadership since the 2010 election (the previous occasions were February 2012 and March this year).
So to recap - Prime Minister Julia Gillard has called the bluff of the Rudd camp agitating for a special caucus meeting.
Ms Gillard has called a caucus meeting for tonight at 7 pm at which the leadership positions will be declared vacant.
Ms Gillard says she will stand and she is confident of winning.
Ms Gillard did not mention Kevin Rudd by name in the interview but called on anyone who wanted to challenge to do so to end the "nonsense" once and for all.
Ms Gillard said she would leave politics at the next election is she lost - and that same condition should apply to any challenger.
We have yet to hear anything from Kevin Rudd - or to sight the mysterious petition.
As the PM was speaking the Sports Minister Kate Lundy was tweeting:
I will be supporting @JuliaGillard. Proudly. Again.
— Kate Lundy (@KateLundy) June 26, 2013
Ms Gillard says her values, purpose and discipline are the reasons why she should remain leader.
"I came into politics to make a difference," says Ms Gillard.
"I came into politics believing government could be about providing opportunity ... I'm interested in getting things done."
Ms Gillard says she would not be "presumptuous enough" to speak about Mr Rudd's credentials.
The interview is over.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard appearing on Sky to announce a leadership ballot at 7pm tonight. Photo: Andrew Meares
Ms Gillard says she has "never been diverted...by this nonsense".
It has been "debilitating" for her, for the party and the country, Ms Gillard says.
Ms Gillard says if she is unsuccessful she will leave politics at the next election.
No one has approached her about a meeting of ballot, Ms Gillard says.
The petition is "the political equivalent of the Loch Ness monster", Ms Gillard says.
"I wouldn't be putting myself forward unless I had a degree of confidence."
Ms Gillard: "Going into this ballot tonight everyone should accept a few conditions."
Ms Gillard says "first and foremost anybody who believes they should be leader should put themselves forward".
Ms Gillard says this is the last chance for the issue to be resolved.
"This is it, tonight is the night," Ms Gillard says.
Ms Gillard says any contender who loses should retire from politics.
Ms Gillard says that condition applies to her as well.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard tells Sky News: "There is apparently a petition circulating...I haven't seen it."
Ms Gillard says it's in the "best interests of the nation and the Labor Party for this issue to be resolve."
Ms Gillard has called a ballot for the leadership at 7 pm tonight.
Ms Gillard will stand.
I am standing by to bring you Prime Minister Julia Gillard's live interview with Sky News (due to start any second).
The PMO asked Sky if she could appear.
A bit of policy fibre to go with all this leadership ice cream.
During question time Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed she would negotiate with the Victorian state government about the possibility of it signing up to her education reforms (see 2.34 pm post). The Age's education editor, Jewel Topsfield, has the details about where things are up to - Victoria wants more money is the story in a nutshell.
The Opposition has offered more details about its "one stop shop" for environmental approvals. A Coalition government would hand the power to approve major projects such as mines and ports to the states, according to this story filed a wee while ago by The Age's environment editor, Tom Arup.
Later this afternoon independent MP Tony Windsor will give his valedictory speech to the House of Representatives (due to take place at 4.30 pm) while National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce will give his at 5.30 pm.
Both should be worth tuning in for. I will be so don't go anywhere!
Leader of the house Anthony Albanese worked his aggression out on the field.
Beanie + baggy track pants = all style.
Anthony Albanese during a State of Origin tribute rugby match at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Apparently there's some football game on tonight. The MPs had their own version this morning.
Barnaby Joyce tickles Anthony Albanese after a State of Origin tribute rugby match at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's attempt to suspend standing orders has failed (73 votes in favour and 74 votes against).
Prime Minister Julia Gillard calls an official end to question time.
Speaker Anna Burke orders that the count on whether the motion is successful begin.
"And in a moment of complete indulgence I welcome my mum to the chamber," Ms Burke says with a wave.
Here's the video of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott asking Prime Minister Julia Gillard if she will call an early election (see 2.55pm post).
Abbott calls for early election
Tony Abbott has used question time to demand Julia Gillard call an early election, citing Labor disunity.
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It falls to leader of the house, Anthony Albanese, to oppose Mr Abbott's motion.
Mr Albanese notes it is the 81st time in the life of the 43rd Parliament he has had to do this.
"Here we are, the second last sitting day of this term and not a single policy idea from the Opposition Leader," Mr Albanese says.
"He's right that he's not interested in this Parliament but that doesn't excuse his projection."
Mr Albanese points out that just before question time the Senate agreed to the government's education reforms and the House was debating changes to the 457 visa program.
"For the past three years we've put up with the longest dummy spit in Australian political history."
Labor MPs are drifting back into the chamber to hear Mr Albanese (he finishes the motion will be voted on).
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has now moved to suspend standing orders to demand the Labor Party sort out its internal problems and return to governing.
"No one is interested in the proceedings of this Parliament," Mr Abbott says as the government benches rapidly clear. (This will take some time.)
"Everyone is interested in the conversations taking place in the corridors ... What that's all about, Madam Speaker, is yet another deal inside the Labor Party."
"The public is sick of the deals behind closed doors," Mr Abbott says.
"The poison inside the Labor Party is paralysing government in this country."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has left the chamber.
At this point no reporter seems to be able to find a single Labor MP who has seen the petition.
Meanwhile (there it is again) Opposition Leader Tony Abbott decides to ask about the situation himself.
Will the Prime Minister bring forward the election date to August 3 "given the paralysis gripping her government," Mr Abbott asks to cheers from the opposition benches.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard laughs: "I am getting on with the job."
In the light of the story about a petition circulating I asked Mr Rudd's office if his position had change in relation to his planned China trip.
It has not, was the answer.
A spokesman directed me to the statement provided earlier in the day and which I posted at 11.49am.
"Nobody should deny this challenge is real," Climate Change Minister Greg Combet says of (no, not that challenge) the threat posing by rising temperatures.
May I see that piece of paper please?
Labor MP Kevin Rudd during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Prime Minister Julia Gillard tells question time she has received an indication from the Victorian government that it is willing to negotiate on the Gonski education reforms.
Ms Gillard says she will approach the talks in "good faith".
(This must be very welcome for Ms Gillard. It shows her carrying on, pursuing her policy objectives despite all the bluster and noise surrounding her. So far Ms Gillard is very cool, calm and collected in her manner.)
"You used to be better than this under prime minister Howard," Prime Minister Julia Gillard goads the opposition after receiving a question on climate change from opposition industry spokeswoman Sophie Mirabella.
Thinking, thinking, thinking.
Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Under normal circumstances Prime Minister Julia Gillard would be relishing question time, knowing the Senate had just passed her signature education reforms (see 1.58pm post).
Instead Ms Gillard must spend the next hour on her feet while the leadership rumblings get louder.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Prime Minister Julia Gillard opens question time with a statement marking the 1963 Yirrkala bark petition by the Yolngu people (a land title claim, the first time an indigenous legal document was recognised.)
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott also makes a statement.
Mr Abbott then kicks off with a question about the carbon price.
Mr Rudd has now arrived. All present and correct.
Labor MP Kevin Rudd during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Labor MP Kevin Rudd has not yet arrived for question time. Prime Minister Julia Gillard is ready though.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard prepares for question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has arrived for question time through a side door.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrives for question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
But first, some policy - education reporter Daniel Hurst brings us this story on the government's education reforms passing the Senate (see 1.18pm post).
Question time is about to begin.
It's worth remembering that the last time this happened back in February Prime Minister Julia Gillard took matters into her own hands and began question time with the news she had called a caucus meeting.
(PS. The debate on the 457 visa changes will resume after question time.)
Labor MP Kevin Rudd in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
A spokesman for Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten says his position has not changed and he will not add to speculation on the leadership issue.
NSW Senator Matt Thistlethwaite says he has not seen any petition and nor would he sign it if he had.
In case you don't have time to watch the video let me summarise some of the points University of NSW George Williams made in relation to the consitutional position we could find ourselves in should there be a leadership change.
Professor Williams points out that although the Labor Party is entitled to choose its own leader, the leader "does not necessarily become prime minister", because of the hung Parliament.
Professor Williams said a change (which is not yet a sure thing) could trigger one of three scenarios:
- the independents support Mr Rudd;
- the independents support the opposition;
- the independents are not prepared to give Mr Rudd their support but want a written agreement which could result in an early election or to recall Parliament to test support.
Professor Williams says the reason for all the uncertainty is because this situation is unprecedented. When state and federal parliaments previously found themselves in this position it was much earlier in their terms. The thing making this set of circumstances so unusual is because Parliament is only sitting for the rest of this week before rising for the election.
Senior government minister Gary Gray says his support is still with Prime Minister Julia Gillard: "The Prime Minister is a terrific woman, the right person to be the prime minister."
I need to clarify a procedural point raised in the 12.44pm post.
The petition must go to caucus chairman Gavin Marshall. His office says it has not yet been presented with a petition.
Labor sources have told breaking news reporter Jonathan Swan that the reason the Rudd camp had the confidence to move was because Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten has shifted his support from Prime Minister Julia Gillard to Mr Rudd.
Mr Shorten's office is not commenting.
Labor MPs Kevin Rudd and and Bill Shorten in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Meanwhile the government's education reforms - which change the ways schools are funded - have just passed the Senate.
This is one of Prime Minister Julia Gillard's signature reforms, something she has staked her leadership - and much of Labor's re election efforts - on.
However, only three out of eight jurisdictions - NSW, the ACT and South Australia - have signed a deal with the commonwealth to deliver the changes next year.
Can I count on you?
Labor MP Kevin Rudd passes frontbencher Warren Snowdon in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr has just finished addressing the National Press Club. He too found himself inundated with leadership questions.
Senator Carr repeatedly offered "no comment" when asked if he still supported Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
He was a bit cute too saying there is a long standing convention that foreign ministers do not talk about domestic politics. Senator Carr says he invented the rule on Monday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr addresses the National Press Club on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
MPs are leaving the House of Representatives (to which they were called for a vote to do with proposed changes to the 457 visa program). Naturally they found a large media contingent outside.
Breaking news reporter Jonathan Swan asked Stephen Jones about the petition and he said: "You mean the one about protecting the whales?"
Cute.
Not many MPs will be willing to stick their necks out too far at this point. They like to make sure they have sniffed the breeze first.
Sydney University constitutional law professor Anne Twomey has spoken to political reporter Heath Aston to answer some questions about the possible scenarios that have now been brought into play by the news a petition is now being circulated among Labor MPs.
If there is a change in leadership then some of the possible outcomes include an early election or the installation of Tony Abbott as Prime Minister.
Another eminent expert, University of NSW constitutional expert George Williams, offers his take on the situation in this video.
Constitutional crisis or not?
Constitutional expert Prof. George Williams explains the three scenarios that could emerge from a Labor leadership change.
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All morning people have been talking about the constitutional possibilities that might arise from a change in leadership.
Chief political correspondent Mark Kenny raised some of the questions in this piece last week. It's still worth a read if you're trying to get your head around where things might go.
I should point out that the House of Representatives is considering the government's proposed changes to the 457 visa program, a contentious piece of legislation.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard's office has been contacted for comment.
Labor MP Kevin Rudd sits with colleagues Stephen Jones, Chris Bowen and Ed Husic on the floor of the House of Representatives. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Rudd has not commented on the story. He is in the House of Representatives.
Labor MP Kevin Rudd sits with colleagues Stephen Jones, Chris Bowen and Ed Husic in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
The mechanics of this are as follows:
- one third of caucus members need to sign the petition in order to allow a special caucus meeting to take place;
- Mr Rudd's supporters believe they have enough people to do this;
- the caucus secretary, Chris Hayes, has the discretion to decide when the meeting will take place but it is expected to be later today or tomorrow morning;
- Mr Rudd's inner circle believes he will stand as a candidate and that he has the numbers to win.
Kevin Rudd's supporters have started circulating a caucus petition to allow a challenge to Julia Gillard for the prime ministership.
What a morning. And the day isn't even half over.
Let me take five to point you in the direction of some of the more comprehensive coverage provided by the Fairfax Media Canberra bureau:
- independent MPs have signalled their reservations about a return to the Labor leadership by Kevin Rudd;
- independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor are leaving politics; and
- chief political correspondent Mark Kenny on the state of play inside Labor.
The government's proposed changes to the 457 visa scheme are being debated in the House of Representatives.
Queensland Labor MP Graham Perrett continues to wear his heart on his sleeve - or his vote on his chest, to be more precise.
Labor MP Graham Perrett during the politicians vs the press gallery netball match at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The view from the opposition:
Bob Katter shouldn't be propping up an awful Labor Govt. They are a circus and continue to focus on their own jobs rather than Aussie jobs.
— Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) June 26, 2013
There has been some speculation this morning that Kevin Rudd had pulled out of a scheduled trip to China.
A spokesman for Mr Rudd says this is not the case.
"Mr Rudd will travel to China to attend an international conference in Beijing on Friday morning," the spokesman said. "Mr Rudd has had his leave request approved from Thursday afternoon. Mr Rudd accepted the invitation to speak at the conference a number of months ago."
Former chief government whip and Rudd man Joel Fitzgibbon has refused to say whether or not Labor can unite behind Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
"I'm not going to feed the frenzy," Mr Fitzgibbon told online political editor Tim Lester a short while ago (ahem).
Mr Fitzgibbon said Labor was "capable of uniting" and needed to leave the current sitting period as a "strong and united force".
As to whether the party was currently united, Mr Fitzgibbon said people were "working on it".
Fitzgibbon: 'I'm not going to feed the frenzy'
Former chief government whip Joel Fitzgibbon refuses to say whether Labor can unite behind Julia Gillard.
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Crossbencher Bob Katter, however, says if the Labor caucus elected Kevin Rudd as leader he would provide a vote of confidence "to facilitate his election as leader".
Mr Katter - who leads Katter's Australian Party - conceded that this was not in his party's interests: "But the nation's interest leaves me no alternative but to go to this decision. To do otherwise would be to condemn Australia to a landslide election which would certainly not be in the interests of our country."
Mr Katter said the main problem was that "nobody is driving the bus".
Crossbench MP Bob Katter at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Meanwhile (I told you that word would get a work out today) the Greens seem to prefer leaving open the option of an early election rather than doing anything that would hasten the election of a government led by Tony Abbott.
"We will do nothing to facilitate Tony Abbott getting into the prime minister's position," Senator Milne said.
"The choice is then the confidence on the floor of the House or an early election."
(Bear with me people - there are a lot of hypothetical constitutional scenarios being thrown around at the moment and nothing has yet changed in terms of the Labor leadership.)
Greens leader Christine Milne and deputy leader Adam Bandt with the party's Senate line up for the election. Photo: Andrew Meares
There is also legislation being dealt with in Parliament today (who'd have thought it?).
Education reporter Daniel Hurst has called in from the Senate with the news that it is about to start debating the government's education funding reforms.
But the Coalition is crying foul at the "absolutely obscene" rush to pass the laws with about two and a half hours set aside for the debate. This means a vote is due about 1pm.
National Party candidate for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has released a statement on Mr Windsor's retirement:
"When you are on the football paddock you always have immense respect for the toughest of players that you come across in politics. They do not come any tougher than the member for New England. I have never doubted his focus on the people of new England. At times, obviously, I questioned his mechanism, but today is his."
(No, I'm not quite sure what Senator Joyce means in that last sentence either but that's word for word from his statement.)
Mr Windsor's retirement makes Barnaby Joyce almost a dead certain to take out the lower house seat of New England in September. This would mean, just for argument's sake, that Mr Joyce could take on Warren Truss for leadership of the National Party should the fancy strike him. (Leadership of parties traditionally goes to a lower house MP.)
Barnaby Joyce during a State of Origin tribute rugby match at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Just in case anyone is wondering, independent MP Andrew Wilkie is not retiring.
"Andrew still plans to recontest Denison and the federal election and is certainly not about to announce his political retirement," Mr Wilkie's spokesman says.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie speaks to the media in the press gallery. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has issued statements on the retirements of Mr Windsor and Mr Oakeshott.
Of Mr Windsor she says: "Tony Windsor long ago earned the respect and affection of his community in New England. In the past three years he had earned the respect and affection of many Australian from all political persuasions. Millions will be sorry to see him depart the Parliament at the coming election and I will be one of them."
Of Mr Oakeshott she says: "Rob Oakeshott is a man of energy and ideas whose fundamental optimism for Australia endears him to almost everyone who knows him ... He is still a young man with a young family and I know how much he is looking forward to being at home ... Rob smiles easily and wears his heart on his sleeve and politics could do with more of that, not less."
Independent MP Tony Windsor embraces his wife Lyn after his press conference announcing his retirement. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Tony Windsor can't escape his own press conference.
Now Rob Oakeshott has popped up to say nice things about him.
"None of us had a manual and we had to work it out," Mr Oakeshott says.
Mr Windsor is "the best in the business", he says. "He's a man of honour, he's a man of smarts and he's got a little sprinkling of rat cunning, which is handy in politics."
And Mr Windsor finally gets to leave.
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott joins colleague Tony Windsor at his press conference on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Windsor says he will return all donations made to his campaign. Many have come in from all over Australia.
He says he wishes all the New England candidates well.
Barnaby Joyce came up to him in an airport a few weeks ago and apologised for some of the nonsense that had happened, Mr Windsor says.
"It's not in anybody's interests to wish that there will be a nasty Parliament next time," Mr Windsor says before winding up his press conference.
"On indulgence", Mr Windsor's long-time staffer Graham Nuttall, gives a tribute to his boss. A general all round top bloke is the best way to describe it.
Independent MP Tony Windsor is presented with a drawing by the daughter of Rob Oakeshott on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
This from Mr Windsor's contender Barnaby Joyce:
The effort for New England will continue. I respect Mr Windsor's decision and wish him and Lynn all best with their family. Barnaby
— Barnaby Joyce (@Barnaby_Joyce) June 26, 2013
Mr Windsor won't go into his health problems.
"I don't want to get into a situation where I contest a seat just to beat the Nats," Mr Windsor says (you can hear the cheers from contender Barnaby Joyce's office at this point). "The seat's never been mine and I don't want to be there for the wrong reasons. I'd rather go out at 100 miles an hour."
"The world is run by those who turn up," Mr Windsor says. 'We've got to make sure we don't tamper with democracy to the point where we demean it."
Mr Windsor defends Prime Minister Julia Gillard over the campaign statement in 2010 that there would be no carbon tax.
Ms Gillard thought she would lead a majority government, Mr Windsor says, but instead she found herself trying to negotiate a minority government with all kinds of demands being made on her.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's pursuit of her over that issue - aided and abetted by shock jocks - was a "nonsense", Mr Windsor says, particularly when one considers former prime minister John Howard had a firm plan to introduce an emissions trading scheme.
Independent MP Tony Windsor speaks to the media Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Labor probably deserves to lose the election because of its behaviour over the leadership issue, Mr Windsor says.
Mr Windsor says the great shame of the Parliament has been the treatment of asylum seekers.
"I'm as guilty as anybody," Mr Windsor says. "All of us should be ashamed of ourselves in the way this has been treated."
Should a challenge happen and the confidence of Parliament be required, Mr Windsor says he would be inclined to support "the second place getter" (ie Opposition Leader Tony Abbott) rather than the challenger (Kevin Rudd).
Mr Windsor says he doesn't believe there will be a Labor leadership challenge.
But if there was, Mr Windsor says, he believes the Governor-General would have to ask the challenger to demonstrate they had the confidence of the house.
"I wouldn't guarantee the challenger my support would be there if it was tested," Mr Windsor says.
Mr Windsor says he holds Prime Minister Julia Gillard in high regard. She has never welched on any aspect of their agreement, Mr Windsor says.
"The arrangement was made with Julia Gillard. Out of the two contenders she was by far the best. If everyone puts on their objective jacket she was by far the best," he says.
Mr Windsor confirms he met with Ms Gillard last night but it was to tell her he was resigning.
"My cue will come from the Governor-General, if indeed something does happen," Mr Windsor says.
Independent MP Tony Windsor annouces he will not recontest the next election on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Windsor was thought to be in with a good chance of hanging on as an independent in the NSW seat of New England. National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce leaves the Senate at the end of the week to try his luck as a lower house candidate for the seat.
"If country people keep tying themselves to one side of politics they will always be taken for granted," Mr Windsor says.
Mr Windsor says he is most proud of the work on climate change he has done.
He chokes up paying tribute to his wife, Lyn: "We were in kindergarten together."
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has walked into the press conference.
"You didn't think I'd get into this bullshit," Mr Windsor quips to Mr Oakeshott as he finishes his tribute to his wife.
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott joins his crossbench colleague Tony Windsor at his press conference. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Windsor says he would like to return to his love of agriculture and sustainability of food production.
Mr Windsor congratulates his colleague Rob Oakeshott for his friendship and guidance.
"I love this work, I love the electorate," Mr Windsor says.
"I love this particular Parliament but I don't want to love it to death."
For half of his time as an independent MP Mr Windsor says he has been in hung parliaments or parliaments that were essentially hung.
Mr Windsor says the message he would like to leave for people living in rural and regional Australia: "Look at this Parliament, don't look at the nonsense and strategy from the major parties, look at the performance."
Independent MP Tony Windsor speaks to the media on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
A tearful Mr Windsor says his 21-year-old son has "never known me as anything other than a politician".
"The problem is the polls show I'd probably win ... but I don't really want to leave in three years' time," Mr Windsor says.
"The seat has been extremely good to me. The people of New England have been very kind to me."
Mr Windsor says the "level of vitriol" directed at the independents over the life of the 43rd Parliament has taken a toll on him and his family.
Independent MP Tony Windsor and government minister Anthony Albanese in the House of Representatives on Wednesday morning. Photo: Andrew Meares
Independent MP Tony Windsor says he is going to make a very "personal" statement.
Mr Windsor will not contest the next election.
"I do have a health issue that's currently being investigated," Mr Windsor says.
His wife and daughter are with him.
"My family also want me not to stand," he stands.
Morning.
Kevin Rudd in the House of Representatives on Wednesday morning. Photo: Andrew Meares
Meanwhile (I reserve the right to use that word a lot today) Mr Oakeshott's crossbench colleague, Tony Windsor, will hold a press conference at 9.40am.
Mr Windsor is expected to discuss a report by Channel 7's Mark Riley that he would not support Kevin Rudd should he return to the Labor leadership.
Mr Windsor was reported to have met Prime Minister Julia Gillard last night to tell her this and that he would support a no confidence motion in the government should one be called.
Rob Oakeshott spoke with online political editor Tim Lester a short time ago.
Mr Oakeshott discusses the reasons for his retirement but says people should "assume nothing" about his support for Labor should there be a change of leadership.
Resigning Oakeshott: 'Assume nothing'
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott announces he will not contest September election, and says to "assume nothing" about his support for Labor should there be a change of leadership.
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We begin the day with the news that independent MP Rob Oakeshott will retire from politics.
Mr Oakeshott said 17 years as a politician was enough and he will not recontest his coastal NSW seat of Lyne at the upcoming federal election.
"I have done everything I said I was going to do and done the best I can," Mr Oakeshott told Fairfax Media's Port Macquarie News in a story you can find here.
Mr Oakeshott said he was not scared about losing his seat - rather he was alarmed he might win another term.
"If anything it's a respect for winning that makes me make a call now," Mr Oakeshott said.
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Get the feeling it's going to be a big day in politics? Leadership, resignations and general shenanigans are just the start.
Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I are delighted to have your company as we watch the day unfold.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrives at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
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