Kevin Rudd, born on September 21, 1957 in Nambour, Australia, was raised on a dairy farm in rural Queensland. From a young age, he showed an interest in politics and social justice, joining the Australian Labour Party at the age of 15. He attended Nambour State High School and went on to study at the Australian National University, where he earned a degree in Asian Studies. Rudd later pursued a career in diplomacy, serving as a diplomat in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Rudd's political career began in the early 1990s, when he was elected as the Member for Griffith in the Australian House of Representatives. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Labour Party, serving in various ministerial positions before being elected as Leader of the Party in 2006.
In 2007, Rudd led the Labour Party to victory in the Australian Federal Election and was sworn in as the 26th Prime Minister of Australia. During his time in office, Rudd implemented a number of progressive policies, including the introduction of the National Broadband Network and the implementation of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. He also issued a formal apology to Indigenous Australians for the government's past policies of forced separation.
In 2010, Rudd resigned as Prime Minister following a leadership challenge within the Labour Party. However, he did not stay out of politics for long, and in 2013 he was re-elected as Prime Minister. During his second term in office, Rudd continued to push for progressive reforms, including his historic support for same-sex marriage.
Kevin Rudd's personal life has also been marked by tragedy and triumph. He lost his father at a young age, but found love and support with his wife, Therese Rein, whom he married in 1981. The couple has three children together and has remained a strong and supportive presence in each other's lives.
Kevin Rudd's legacy as Prime Minister of Australia is a complex one, marked by both achievements and controversies. While some critics have pointed to his leadership style as overly ambitious and confrontational, others have praised his commitment to social justice and progressive values. Regardless of one's opinion of Rudd, it is clear that he has left a lasting impact on Australian politics and society.