Australian Liberals would give Kevin Rudd diplomatic post if they win government

Kevin Rudd

Labor MP Kevin Rudd has talents and experience that could land him a diplomatic appointment under a coalition government, deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop says.

Ms Bishop says if she were to become foreign minister, Mr Rudd would be considered for any role with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“If Kevin wants to apply for a job I’ll judge it against the others who are applying for that same position,” she told Sky News on Sunday.

“But certainly he has talents and ability and experience in foreign policy that shouldn’t be wasted and I think that former prime ministers usually have a contribution to make.

“But I’ll certainly be looking for a range of people to fill our posts overseas because they are after all, Australia‘s voice, ambassadors to the world.”

Ms Bishop revealed on Sunday she and Mr Rudd had forged a friendship after travelling overseas together as parliamentary colleagues.

“Over a glass of wine together, we have shared some thoughts,” she said.

“I wouldn’t say he confides in me in this atmosphere within the Labor Party of leaks against prime ministers and people investigating leaking of the leaking.”

She believed Mr Rudd had one more tilt at the leadership in him before the next election.

“That is because if Labor loses the next election Kevin Rudd won’t be the opposition leader,” she said.

“If Labor wins the election Kevin Rudd won’t be the leader.

“So he’s got one chance and that is between now and the 14th of September.”

Ms Bishop said she did not have much of a relationship with Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

“I have an easy rapport with a number of people on the Labor side but that doesn’t include the prime minister.

“I’ve certainly gone out of my way to strike up some sort of conversation but it seems I’m not Julia Gillard’s favourite politician.”

Related articles

• Bishop open to Rudd appointment (news.com.au)
• Australian Prime Minister urged to use Kevin Rudd in election campaign (craighill.net)
• Australia: Kevin Rudd publicly supports Julia Gillard (craighill.net)
• Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd back on television (craighill.net)
• Australia: Kevin Rudd reignites leadership speculation with barefoot bowls tournament (craighill.net)
• Kevin Rudd hoses down challenge talk (bigpondnews.com)