After defeating Paul Keating 's Labor government in 1996 , the Howard Government was re-elected at the 1998 , 2001 and 2004 elections . Howard 's actions as prime minister included new gun laws ( in response to the Port Arthur massacre ) , the introduction of a nationwide value-added tax , immigration reform , and industrial relations reform . Australia also contributed troops to the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War under his government , and led the International Force for East Timor . The Howard government was defeated at the 2007 federal election , with the Labor Party 's Kevin Rudd succeeding him as prime minister . Howard also lost his own seat at the election , becoming only the second prime minister to do so ( after Stanley Bruce in 1929 )
Port Arthur massacre
Port Arthur massacre (Australia)
John Howard