FACTBOX: Key policy themes for Australia's Labor

Sat Nov 24, 2007 1:44pm EST
 
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(Reuters) - Australia's Labor Party swept into power at national elections, propelling 50-year old former diplomat Kevin Rudd into office on a wave of support for generational change.

Following are some key policy themes for Labor.

FOREIGN POLICY

- Withdraw few hundred combat troops from Iraq, look to transfer Australia's training of Iraqi security forces to another country, keep and possibly increase troop numbers in Afghanistan.

- New Homeland Security department.

- Maintain close U.S. alliance, but more independent voice on foreign policy.

- Shut Australia's offshore refugee detention centers on Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

ECONOMY

- A$59 billion ($52 billion) in spending promises, including A$31 billion in income tax cuts.  Continued...

 
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