In an emotional speech, the former Labor² Party leader said he had not arrived at the decision lightly. 

 

But Mr Rudd, who served as prime minister twice, attributed the decision to his family and said it had been an honour to lead the nation. 

 

Mr Rudd led Labor into the 7 September general election which saw the Liberal-National coalition³ of Tony Abbott elected. 

 

In a speech to parliament on Wednesday night, Mr Rudd said his decision had "been the product of much soul-searching" with his family "over the last few months".

 

"But for me, my family is everything, always has been, always will be, which is why I will not be continuing as a member of this parliament beyond this week," he said.

 

Mr Rudd, 56, also wished Mr Abbott well, saying that being prime minister "was the hardest job in the land".

 

He added that despite "hurtful" statements that had been made, he bore no-one any malice⁴（恶意）. "Life is far too short for that," Mr Rudd said.

 

Mr Rudd said his future plans included establishing a "national apology foundation", in connection with his apology to indigenous⁵ Australians, which he said was one of his biggest achievements as prime minister.

 

He also said he intended to remain active in the international community, in areas that included global economic governance, China and climate change. 

 

He ended his speech by saying: "On this final occasion in the parliament and as is now officially recorded in the classics for occasions such as this, it really is time for me to zip."

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