Just going to point out that Kevin Rudd is now lined up to be Ambassador to the USA. Smith Is getting the UK.
Which basically means, KRudds views are now Australia's views, and it seems he will now have some official say with the Americans. KRudd is a diplomat, IMO, this position I think is a good fit. He has influence with the Americans now. I wonder if he has feelings on the defence review, his comments on deterrent IMO are the strongest voice in Australia in increasing military capability for a specific reason and function. He has lived in the US for the past 10 years. AUKUS and Trump will be interesting points for him to deal with. Of course, China.. I wonder if he will make a China visit in combination with the Americans. Rudd also has significant influence with the Australian diplomatic corps.
Even Turnbull and Hockey has praised the appointment.
Former Liberal-appointed ambassadors and one ex-PM praised the choice of Rudd as next ambassador to the US, while his old enemies declined to comment.
www.smh.com.au
Not sure how I feel about Smith. Although this comes straight away after the defence review, so in the scheme of AUKUS makes some sense on collaboration. He is high profile enough, and he was already out of politics so its not a buy off position in that sense. I will try not to read anything into this before the Defence review is announced. His forign affairs and defence ministerial portfolios are relevant.
Penny Wong defends appointing former Labor minister as a sign of the ‘eminence of Australia’s relationship with the UK’
www.theguardian.com
Defence review must be imminently expected. Hopefully will explain a few things going forward.