The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has welcomed Julia Gillard as Australia’s first female Prime Minister and has pledged to work closely with her on industrial relations.

CPSU national secretary Nadine Flood said the new Prime Minister had been a “terrific advocate” for workers’ rights and workplace relations in the public service.

“We have found Ms Gillard to be a positive minister who works hard to build consensus on often complex and divisive issues,” Ms Flood said in a statement.

“We look forward to working constructively with the new Prime Minister to ensure the Australian Public Service can continue to deliver essential public services for the community and quality advice to Government.”

ACTU secretary Jeff Lawrence said unions would support the Gillard Labor Government in its campaign to prevent the reintroduction of WorkChoices.

“We will stay focused on preventing the Coalition from reintroducing WorkChoices and attacking the rights of Australian workers,” Mr Lawrence said.

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