New prime minister Julia Gillard might consider an early election after the government received a solid lift in the polls, which was largely a result of the ousting of Kevin Rudd.
Taking power as Australia's first female prime minister, Ms Gillard immediately discarded several of Mr Rudd's most controversial policies. This helped her gain seven points for the government, which now leads the opposition 42 per cent to 40 per cent.
Born in Wales, the new leader is also on top when it comes to her personal approval rating, well ahead of opposition leader Tony Abbott by 53 per cent to 29 per cent. Political analysts have forecast that the healthy polls may urge Ms Gillard to call an election as early as August or September.
The positive opinion from the public came after the new prime minister initiated an end to campaign advertisements on the controversial resource super profits tax, which Mr Rudd had proposed. She also rejected Mr Rudd's unpopular Big Australia program that envisioned a 60 per cent population growth by 2050.
As if to snub Mr Rudd further, Ms Gillard has denied her predecessor a place on the front bench. She, however, told him that he could win a cabinet position if the Labour Party is restored to government at the next election.
"I would be absolutely delighted to see him (Rudd) serve as a senior cabinet minister in the team if the government is re-elected," Ms Gillard said.
In response to her announcement, Mr Rudd released a statement saying that decisions on cabinet appointments were a matter for the prime minister and that he would respect her choice.
Mr Rudd was reported to have filed for appointment as foreign minister, a post being held by Stephen Smith. Ms Gillard, however, said that Mr Smith would keep the role. Her two portfolios, education and employment, were given to former trade minister Simon Crean.