The race is on to choose Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States, with current and former Labor figures polishing their resumes after Kevin Rudd’s resignation.
Dr Rudd will finish at the end of March, stepping down a year early to return to his old job as president and chief executive of the prestigious Asia Society think tank.
He’ll also head the society’s Centre for China Analysis.
The former Labor Prime Minister was appointed to the diplomatic role in 2023 but faced a tumultuous period under the Trump administration, having previously been a strident critic of the US President.
Anthony Albanese must now choose a new Ambassador, with former Labor figures, including ex-Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon and current Australian Professional Leagues chair Stephen Conroy, believed to be in the mix.
Ministers Richard Marles and Don Farrell are also under consideration.
Former Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos praised Dr Rudd’s work in the role and said whoever took over needed to focus on keeping initiatives on track.
“Make sure AUKUS remains on track, make sure the critical minerals deal delivers real projects … making sure that the trade investment links become thickened and increased,” he told AAP.
Mr Sinodinos, previously a minister in the Turnbull government before becoming Ambassador, said while the government could choose a career diplomat for the role, a political appointment was much more likely.
“Politics does teach you a few things that can be useful in dealing with the leadership of other countries,” he added.
Mr Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong were among the officials to praise Dr Rudd’s work as Ambassador.
“As Prime Minister, I have visited the United States on no less than seven occasions,” the PM said.
“That is because of the productive work that Kevin Rudd has done across the board.”
Former Ambassador Joe Hockey was also full of praise for Dr Rudd, saying he had “put in a huge effort” in the role.
“It is not an easy job and he has worked really hard for Australia over the past three years,” he stated.
But, the Opposition has been more critical of Dr Rudd and the government’s handling of his resignation.
Leader Sussan Ley even called for the Ambassador to be sacked.
Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said the Coalition acknowledged Dr Rudd’s service and urged Mr Albanese to announce his replacement as soon as possible.
“At this moment of global uncertainty, it would have been prudent and better for Australia’s national interest to have a replacement announced today,” she added.
“The Prime Minister must now ensure Australia’s next ambassador is someone who can build, not complicate, that relationship and strengthen our standing with our most important ally.”
For more news stories:
- Maitland councillor slams City of Sydney’s ‘rent-free’ proposal for Rising Tide
- Rising Tide supporter slams government for ‘selling the future’
- Duo charged following alleged stabbing at Marketown car park
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
