A member of the Australian business community is not too surprised at the turn of events this morning with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's resignation and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard taking over the rest of his tenure.

Incoming chairman of Perth-based Sundance Resources Ltd. George Jones said in a phone interview that he is not surprised at the swiftness of decisions made by the Labour Party.

Mr. Jones said there had been a clamour and "some lobbying" especially from the strong mining industry for Mr. Rudd to re-consider his policy decisions.

Mr. Jones said Mr. Rudd wanted to put a plug on the country's deficit, however, "not using a tried, proven method and insisting a know-it-all approach (in making crucial policy decisions) without consulting others" caused his downfall.

He noted that he believes Deputy Prime Minister Gillard is known to be more calculating in her moves and re-negotiations on this tax policy, which intends to slap a 40 percent tax on the mining industry will likely be undone.

Although still in grief with the lost of colleagues in Africa, Sundance is among companies exploring and building mines in the continent, attracted by the world's biggest deposits of platinum, chrome, and diamonds.

Mr. Jones said the company still aims to complete an initial study for its $3.4 billion Mbalam iron-ore project in Cameroon by the end of 2010 in spite the flight accident involving some of its key people early this week.

"The company is working closely with the relevant consulates and high commissions regarding the repatriation of the deceased," Sundance said in a statement. Its shares are suspended from trading in Sydney.