Fed: Gillard backs Rudd as good boss

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2010
Fed: Gillard backs Rudd as good boss

SYDNEY, April 15 AAP - Julia Gillard has defended Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's reputation
as a boss, saying he's "very easy to work with".

Mr Rudd has batted away suggestions he's a tough taskmaster after it emerged 28 staff
have left his office in almost two-and-a-half years in government.

The deputy prime minister says Mr Rudd has a strong work ethic and is also a good leader.

"The prime minister is a great friend and colleague of mine, so I find him very easy
to work with," Ms Gillard told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.

"He's a man who works incredibly hard with unbelievable determination to build a better
future for this country."

A News Limited report says staff turnover in the prime minister's office and with other
ministers is "near-record" at 60 per cent.

In Mr Rudd's case, 28 staff have departed, a 53 per cent turnover.

Ms Gillard says lifestyle factors associated with working in Canberra mean some people
only last a short time in political work.

"Obviously people come to be political advisers because they share a passion and enthusiasm
for change and a passion and enthusiasm to work with politicians to make a difference,"

she said.

"Working for a national politician means that you've got be prepared to be in Canberra
for big parts of the year ... that means people being away from home ... or travelling
around the nation."

AAP evt/pc

KEYWORD: RUDD STAFF GILLARD

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