The Prime Minister-elect, Kevin Rudd, was officially sworn in on Monday, as the managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), Jim Wallace, said the Federal Election held in November marked the end of an era in Australian political history.
The formal swearing-in of Mr. Rudd capped off John Howard, the former prime minister, parliamentary career as well as his 11 ½ years in governing the country.
Despite the ignominious defeat, being the second Prime Minister to lose his own seat, Mr. Howard, along with the Coalition, was applauded by Mr. Wallace for dedicating himself to the service of this country and also for his consideration of Christian concerns.
"It is also important to convey our best wishes and thanks to John Howard and the outgoing Coalition Government. Change was inevitable at some point, but under Mr Howard's leadership, the Coalition gave dedicated service to this country and were considerate of Christian concerns on many issues," Mr. Wallace wrote in the Sight Christian magazine publication.
In the same publication, Mr. Wallace said the ACL had established a 'good' relationship with Federal Labor over the last few years and is looking forward to working with the incoming government.
Regardless of the political persuasion of the government-of-the-day, he said the Christian lobby group would always be apolitical given, "Governments of many different political persuasions can offer wise and Godly leadership to their citizen."