Saturday 27th of April 2024
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across the divide...

beazleynelson

 

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has reached across the political divide to name Kim Beazley and Brendan Nelson to key overseas diplomatic postings.

Former Labor leader Mr Beazley will become the ambassador to the US while former Opposition leader Dr Nelson will take up the role as ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg, and NATO as well as the special representative to the World Health Organisation.

The surprise announcement of Dr Nelson's appointment came the day after he delivered his valedictory speech to Federal Parliament, and Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull was only informed of the development this morning.

Mr Rudd said both men, who have both served as opposition leaders and defence ministers, had represented Australia at the highest level and had earned the respect of the Australian people.

"These two appointments will ensure two respected and proud Australians continue to serve their country in the highest capacity," he said.

Mr Rudd said there were very few men in the country who knew the US better than Mr Beazley and Dr Nelson's political experience will serve him well in his dealings with the EU.

Mr Beazley, who had two stints as Labor leader between 1996 to 2001 and 2004 to 2006, said he could not think of anything he would rather do.

"We are one of the strongest allies of the US and we speak to the US with the authority of a friend," he said.

ambassador to Antarctica?...

More from the ABC

Mr Beazley is currently the chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU).

Dr Nelson is today leaving Parliament after 13 years of service, including 10 months as Opposition leader.

Today's appointments pave the way for a possible future post for former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello, who is not contesting the next election.

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Ambassador to Antarctica comes to mind...

still opposing his next master

his old master's voice...

The former federal opposition leader, Brendan Nelson, says he will continue to campaign against the Government's emissions trading scheme during the by-election in his Sydney seat.

Mr Nelson has been appointed as Australia's Ambassador to the European Communities, Belgium, Luxembourg and NATO.

He will take up the post in February next year when he will be expected to represent the Government's desire for an emissions trading scheme.

Dr Nelson opposes setting up a scheme until there is a global agreement.

He has told Channel Ten he will use the by-election in his seat of Bradfield to continue to advocate a cautious approach.

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see toon at top...

a rat in the ranks?...

from the ABC

Former environment minister and Liberal Party stalwart Robert Hill says the Government's emissions trading scheme would have become a reality if his party had not "imploded" at the finish line.

Last month the Government announced it was shelving the controversial scheme until at least 2013, bowing to the political reality that it was unlikely to be passed by the Senate.

The Upper House blocked the ETS legislation twice and Malcolm Turnbull lost the Liberal leadership over his decision to support the scheme.

But Mr Hill says the Government was almost successful in its bid to get the ETS through parliament.

"They almost did it successfully. If it hadn't have been for my side imploding at the line, they would have," he said.

"So then they wouldn't have been too smart by half, they would have been too clever wouldn't they. That's how politics works."

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From Wikipedia

In July 2009, Mr Hill was appointed by the Australian Government to head the Australian Carbon Trust.