The Federal Education minister and Minister for Tertiary Education have resigned after a tumultuous time in Australian politics.

Included in the mass exodus of Gillard supporters was Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Minister for Trade and Competitiveness and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Asian Century Policy, Craig Emerson.

Emerson praised the outgoing Prime Minister for her efforts in the country’s top job, including her work on carbon pricing, school reforms, University expansion, engaging with Asia and introducing the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Mr Emerson said, “It has been a wonderful privilege to have been a Cabinet Minister in the Gillard Labor Government... I hope Julia's needs-based policy for our schools endures so that every child can receive a quality education.... I wish Kevin Rudd and his team all the very best”.

Also on the way out is Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett, resigning on the same day as national education reforms were passed into law. Mr Garrett said, “I am especially proud to have had stewardship of the most significant education reforms we have witnessed in Australia, like the national curriculum, first national teaching standards and much needed investment for literacy and numeracy and indigenous education... we now have a new, fairer funding system based on the Gonski review which will ensure the needs of young Australians are met regardless of where they live or how much money their parents earn.”