Julia first contested the federal seat of Lalor for the Australian Labor Party in 1998 and was elected that year.
In 2001 she became Shadow Minister for Population and Immigration and subsequently took on responsibilities for Reconciliation and Indigenous Affairs in 2003.
From 2003 to 2006 Julia served as Shadow Minister for Health. On 4 December 2006 Julia was elected Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party and served as Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Social Inclusion.
Following Labor's victory at the 2007 Federal Election, Julia was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Social Inclusion.
Julia follows the Western Bulldogs in the AFL and lives at The Lodge in Canberra with her partner, Tim.
No mention of back-stabbing keven rudd or depending the independants to stay in power
