(CNN) -- New Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, seeking a mandate from voters, said Saturday that a national election would be held August 21.
Speaking to reporters in the nation's capital in Canberra, Gillard presented her campaign platform as she announced that Australians would head to the polls in just over a month.
"This election, I believe, presents Australians with a very clear choice,'' she said. ''This election is about the choice as to whether we move Australia forward or go back''.
Since she ousted predecessor Kevin Rudd on June 24, Gillard has said she would call a parliamentary election soon to seek the public's endorsement. Gillard was Rudd's deputy prime minister, but Labor Party members of Parliament voted her into the top job as Rudd's public approval declined.
Conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott was quick to condemn Gillard's government.
