When he led Australia's Labor Party to a resounding election victory last November, Kevin Rudd warned members of his new cabinet they could expect just two days off at Christmas. Even for a workaholic such as Mr Rudd, this proved optimistic. Australia traditionally sinks into a summer slumber in January. The new prime minister wisely reconsidered and took a two-week holiday himself. Back at work on January 14th, he at once sent signals that he plans to be as stingy with taxpayers' money as he expects his ministers to be with their free time.
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