Who is he? Australian politician. Former finance minister.
Born: December 14th, 1948.
Why's he in the news? Elected as Australia's Labor opposition leader. Replaces Paul Keating, the famous "Lizard of Oz" who once likened debate with a colleague to being "flogged with warm lettuce".
Why in opposition? Labor was ejected by a landslide of angry voters after 13 years in power. Many blame Keating's arrogant leadership style, and hope Kim will present a more . . . caring, sharing sort of an attitude
What's he like? Large, with an easy, casual manner. Given to political wit. Humorous. Very different to his caustic, verbally venomous and aloof predecessor.
Strengths: An ability to consult his political colleagues, and listen to what they might say.
Confidence that he can return Labor to power at the next election.
Weaknesses: A reputation for caving in to special interest groups.
Indifference sometimes to fine detail in policy matters.
Career: Father was a Labor minister Kim attended Oxford university as a Rhodes scholar. Lectured in politics, steeped in the Labor party tradition then followed his dad into parliament (1980).
Always wanted to lead the Labor party but supported former prime minister Bob Hawke, then Paul Keating.
Always insisted he would wait until the century's turn to succeed Keating, should Labor remained in power.
Aviation minister (1983 to 1984). Defence minister from 1984 to 1990, he concentrated on defence links with Australia's neighbours, including Indonesia.
Last word: Goes to Kim. Commenting on Paul Keating, who is widely expected to quit parliament jostling has already begun among prospective Labor candidates for his suburban Sydney electorate he said, "If he decided to go, well I think one of parliament's great performers a man who's been an enormously effective leader of this nation, a formulator of some of the most progressive policy that this country has seen, would disappear from the scene and you can't help but be weaker for it."