“During both the Democrat and Republican administrations, Kevin has worked in collaboration with our closest security ally and principal strategic partner to achieve concrete outcomes,” Albanese said during a press conference in Canberra to announce the end of Rudd’s term.
“As prime minister, I have visited the United States on no less than seven occasions. That is because of the productive work that Kevin Rudd has done across the board, including particularly advancing the economic relationship between our two nations, but also, of course, ensuring that AUKUS is able to proceed in a way that benefits Australia, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom.”
Loading
Wong said: “I can say to you, as someone who engages not only with the United States but with our partners across the globe, that Kevin’s expertise when it comes to China is sought after internationally by leaders far and wide, and I now have no doubt he will continue in this new role to contribute to a better understanding of our region, the Indo-Pacific, at this critical time.”
Albanese insisted that the decision was entirely Rudd’s, and that he was not pushed to move on early.
“Kevin Rudd has a work ethic unlike anyone I’ve ever met, he has worked tirelessly,” he said.
“He’s moving on to a role that he believes is pivotal. Kevin Rudd will tell you privately what he has said publicly, and what drove him to write his book, is that the relationship between the United States and China, the two big superpowers, is he thinks that is the most important one that will define the mid-part of this century. He sees this as a continuation of his public service to not just Australia, but to the global community.”
More to come.
Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.
