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Turnbull sworn in as Australia's new prime minister

Xinhua, September 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull was sworn in as Australia's new prime minister on Tuesday one day after Tony Abbott was defeated in a ruling Liberal Party's leadership ballot.

Turnbull was sworn in at a ceremony by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove in the capital of Canberra.

"There's been a change of prime minister, but we are a very strong government, a very strong country with a great potential and we will realize that potential working very hard together," Turnbull told reporters.

Shortly before Turnbull was sworn in, Abbott, who lost the ballot 54-45 Monday night, thanked the public and his family for the opportunity to serve the nation.

"I thank my country for the privilege of service. It is humbling to lose, but that does not compare to the honor of being asked to lead," he said.

"Leadership changes are never easy for our country. I pledge to make this change as easy as I can. There'll be no wrecking, undermining or sniping." Endi