yARN: A Gillard Australia – what does it mean for tech?

The former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has stood down and been replaced by Julia Gillard as the leader of Australia.

“A special meeting of the party was held this morning at which the position of leader and deputy leader were selected,” a Labor spokesperson said. “The new leader of the Labor party was elected unopposed.”

But what does this mean for the major tech initiatives currently in place? With so many large plates spinning in the air, will everything come crashing down?

One of the most controversial issues currently backed by Rudd was the mandatory ISP filter. Communications Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, has had the PM’s backing through thick and thin but Gillard is unlikely to do the same.

Telstra’s separation is unlikely to be changed at this late stage with agreements in place and industry support ringing clear.

But Conroy will have bigger things to worry than policy. Former minister, Senator Kate Lundy, is keen to take on the role and is the same Left faction of the party as the new Prime Minister.

She’s called for the filter to be changed drastically and has been rallying support for her measures in the Federal Caucus of the Labor party. Lundy also backed Gillard in the recent leadership spill.

If the National’s recent vote to oppose the filter proved one thing, it is that ISP filtering is one of the most divisive tech issues to emerge in recent history. Dumping Conroy could be an easy vote buyer for the ALP.

Fortunately for Conroy, two major factors play in his favour. The first is the successful completion of the Telstra deal. The second is his former status as a Right faction power broker. Gillard owes much of her vote to the Right, and will owe them cabinet positions.

But as with any spill, all ministerial positions are up in the air. Some may use the chance to quit their roles while others will seek to consolidate their position.

The Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, looked much safer in his position thanks to his strong performance, however, in a day of shocks he announced he would not be contesting the forthcoming election and was leaving politics.

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