Australia's centre-left Labor Party has swept to power in national elections, handing long-serving Prime Minister John Howard a surprising defeat. Labor leader Kevin Rudd has promised major changes to policies on global warming and the Iraq war.

According to ABC Australia the outgoing Prime Minister of Australia John Howard has conceded the defeat and congratulates Rudd on election victory in Australia.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard kicked off his re-election campaign Monday by promising major tax cuts as an opinion poll suggested his government is heading toward a crushing defeat.

Developing nations, including China, in Asia-Pacific region have resisted to Australian Prime Minister's plan to forge a clear commitment to tackle climate change by improving energy effeciency among APEC nations.

Two leaders met before APEC meet on issues like environment change, Iraq and Afghan current volatile situation, Malabar naval exercise, Mideast peace plan are subjects where US needs Aussie Moral and pragmatic support to ease global peace.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has met Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, despite China's objections. Mr. Howard did not provide details of their conversation when he spoke to reporters Friday following the meeting.

Australia's Prime Minister John Howard has been criticised for saying people who are HIV positive should not be allowed to emigrate to Australia.

The Australian Prime Minister John Howard has attacked Labor's plan to withdraw combat troops from Iraq and argued against a premature withdrawal of Coalition forces.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has returned home from secret visits to Iraq and Afghanistan. The conservative leader has pledged continued support for U.S.-led campaigns in both countries. Despite much opposition in Australia to the Iraq mission, Mr. Howard appears to hope that national security will prove to be a vote winner in an election due later this year.