Julia Gillard has been welcomed as Australia's first female prime minister by the Property Council of Australia.
Ms Gillard is the 27th person to hold the role and the body said it looks forward to working with her on nation-building policies for the future.
"We recognise Julia Gillard's strong economic leadership, particularly through the Building the Education Revolution (BER) programme," commented Peter Verwer, chief executive of the Property Council of Australia, which has worked with the MP over a number of years.
"Not enough recognition has been given to Julia Gillard for the critical role that the BER played in fortifying the property sector and the economy amid the world's greatest economic crisis in 75 years," he added.
It is hoped the council will be able to work with the prime minister on issues such as public policy, taxation reform, cities policy, Australian housing, infrastructure and sustainability.
Posted by Steve Douglas