Aussie PM-elect vows climate action

Incoming prime minister Anthony Albanese yesterday vowed to end Australia's reputation as a climate laggard and reset relations with the rest of the world, as he raced to form a government in time for a key Tokyo summit. Fresh from an electoral victory that ended a decade of conservative rule, Albanese signalled an era of fairer, greener and less pugilistic politics for Australia. Under conservative leadership, the country -- already one of the world's largest gas and coal exporters -- has also become synonymous with playing the spoiler at international climate talks. Albanese has vowed to adopt more ambitious emissions reduction targets and make the sun-kissed continent-nation a renewable energy superpower. Official results showed Labor expected to win 75 seats -- almost within reach of the 76 required for a majority in the 151-seat lower house. A handful of other races are still too close to call.