Street talk

We asked people on the streets of the CBD and Pyrmont what they thought of the elevation of Julia Gillard to the role of Prime Minister.

The issue is that we had a PM who was elected by the people [and] we’ve now got a PM who’s been elected by the powerbrokers within the party, so technically speaking are we really better off? Absolutely not … it seems in my opinion it’s the party that’s now making the decisions but it’s a democracy, so as the people we should have a say as well in terms of who runs the country.
– Rick Canale, 39, Financial Controller

It’s too early to tell what sort of job she’s going to do, but I think as a role model for women coming into politics or into business this will be an inspiration – it will give them the strength to feel that they can follow and achieve their dreams no matter what they are.
– Tina Booth, 36, Accounts

I’m concerned about what is going to happen with asylum seekers under the Gillard Government. Beyond that I’m not sure that her policies will be vastly different to those of the Rudd Government. I’d still vote for Gillard over Tony Abbott.
– Kate Brinkley,34, Marketing Manager

I am sure Julia Gillard will be an inspirational role model for young women. I hope as PM, Ms Gillard will make a positive contribution to politics and to Australians.
– Lori-Dana Tius, 36, Teacher

I’ve never been a Labor supporter, but certainly I think that there’s a lot more substance to Julia Gillard than I ever thought there was with Kevin Rudd. Unlike most of the public I never got taken in by the Rudd image. I hope that Gillard is not image – I suspect not – I wish her well, but I still don’t think she’s going to win the next election.
– Alex Walter, 59, Account Manager