“He had no chance of winning the September federal election because of the propaganda campaign against him by the Murdoch newspapers around the country.’’ Kevin Rudd and Clive Palmer arrive for the opening of Parliament. Credit:Andrew Meares News Corp Australia’s coverage of the 2013 federal election campaign was criticised by observers for perceived bias against the Labor government and internal Labor Party research indicated the coverage from Murdoch's newspapers was unfavourable to Mr Rudd. Mr Palmer said the outgoing Member for Griffith had served the people of Australia well for almost two decades. “Kevin Rudd didn’t deserve to be savagely slandered by the Murdoch media interests,’’ he said.

“Mr Rudd served the nation honourably and he was devoted to serving the community for two decades. “I wish him and his family well in his retirement from politics.” In Brisbane this morning Premier Campbell Newman also thanked Mr Rudd for his ‘‘service to the nation’’ and ‘‘to the state of Queensland’’. He highlighted his apology to indigenous Australians on February 13, 2008 as a key achievement. ‘‘One thing that I reflect on, that I think was very important and I think it was very significant, was the apology to indigenous Australians," Mr Newman said.

Mr Newman recognised Mr Rudd’s time serving as a politician and as a senior public servant. ‘‘He has been a public life as a political figure, but he also served in the administration of Mr Goss, ’’ Mr Newman said this morning. ‘‘And no doubt he’ll continue to serve this nation and this community. ‘‘So, I thank him for his service and I wish him the very best for the future, for him and his family.’’ Queensland's Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mr Rudd had made a huge contribution to Australia.

"His apology I think resonated with people right across Australia," she said. "Now it is the job of the Australian Labor party to find a really good candidate there, to stand for the seat of Griffith." Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland will miss Kevin Rudd. "I personally think Kevin Rudd had a great role to play and Queensland will miss Kevin Rudd," she said. She said former state secretary and current Brisbane City Council opposition leader, Milton Dick, was running a review of the federal election.