There is growing speculation that Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard may be removed from her position by her party before the end of the year. Senior ministers have come out in support of Gillard following a difficult start to 2012. Defense Minister Stephen Smith and other cabinet ministers have expressed their backing for Gillard, despite media reports suggesting she may face a leadership challenge from Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd. Political analysts now believe it is unlikely that Gillard will lead the party in the next election, scheduled for the second half of 2013, with a potential move against her expected later in the year. Monash University political analyst Nick Economou stated that some MPs are beginning to worry and believe that Gillard may not lead the Labor Party in the next election. The initial major opinion polls for 2012 revealed that government backing was stuck at historically low levels. Online bookmakers Sportsbet announced on Friday that the odds of Rudd reclaiming his position as leader before the year ends had decreased to $1.20 for a $1.00 bet. Smith, speaking from Brussels on Australian television, expressed his strong support for the Prime Minister, commending her performance in challenging circumstances. Climate Change Minister Greg Combet, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, and Regional Affairs Minister Simon Crean have all urged an end to party discord, with Crean stating that Rudd does not work well within a team. Despite being perceived as a lone operator by his Labor colleagues, Rudd maintains popularity among voters, even after being ousted as prime minister due to difficulties in passing reforms. The government faces a dilemma as Prime Minister Gillard relies on support from two independents and the Greens, and any change in leadership could potentially lead to a change of government or an early election. A leadership spill could result in the conservative opposition scrapping a new mining tax and carbon tax set to begin on July 1. Despite rumors, Gillard remains focused on delivering good policy and dismisses media chatter, stating she is focused on her job. Gillard ended 2011 with a strengthened position after gaining support from a disaffected opposition lawmaker who became parliamentary speaker. She has had a difficult start to 2012, losing support from one independent and a staffer due to broken promises and controversial actions. This has left the government with a slim majority in parliament and facing scrutiny over a police investigation. Despite economic challenges, there may be some relief if interest rates are cut as expected. There has been a shift in support away from Gillard, although many Labor lawmakers still have negative feelings towards Rudd. Tingle wrote on Friday that the situation has changed unfavorably for Julia Gillard with a quiet but noticeable threat. Economou mentioned that any action against Gillard would probably not happen until July, coinciding with the implementation of the carbon tax and mining tax. This timeline would give Labor the opportunity to present its budget in May and focus on campaigning for the Queensland state election on March 24, where polls indicate Labor is likely to lose power. Economou warned that the period after the carbon tax is introduced will be crucial, and if there is no improvement by then, Gillard may be forced to step down.