STATUS update: Kevin Rudd is playing catch-up.
The Prime Minister today joined the social networking service Twitter, following in the footsteps of Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull.
Mr Turnbull began using Twitter four weeks ago and instantly became one of its most influential Australian users.
At 1.30pm today the nation’s leader posted his first “tweet” expressing his enthusiasm in using the micro-blogging service, saying he was “Looking forward to communicating with you on Twitter”.
Mr Rudd already had 301 followers and was following 105 people as of 5.05pm today.
His Twitter account could be a direct attempt to keep up with the Opposition Leader’s online popularity.
Mr Turnbull has scored a #30 spot on the draft list of Australia’s Top 50 Twitter Influencers and has 1139 followers on his Twitter.
Both Mr Rudd and Mr Turnbull also have their own Facebook and Myspace accounts.
Mr Rudd has over 24,469 Myspace friends, with Peter Garrett listed as his "top friend".
His Twitter account comes with the launch of a new website – www.kevinpm.com.au which is also being promoted on his MySpace account.
The new website "picks up where Kevin07 left off" and is all "part of keeping in touch" by encouraging dialogue between users and the Government.
http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,24641496-5014239,00.html