Well who would have thought Tony Abbott's FM was texting Kevin Rudd about foreign policy?
"... Julie Bishop has revealed she and Kevin Rudd became close friends as a result of Labor's leadership wars ..."
"... In an exclusive interview with Fairfax Media, the Minister for Foreign Affairs says she consulted Mr Rudd on policy issues in opposition and the pair still text each other about foreign policy. ..." http://www.theage.com.au/federal-po...n-rudd-says-julie-bishop-20141123-11s216.html
The story differs somewhat from that reported in the Herald-Sun on February 10th, 2013; wherein Bishop actually flagged considering Rudd for a diplomatic posting:
"... Ms Bishop revealed on Sunday she and Mr Rudd had forged a friendship after travelling overseas together as parliamentary colleagues. ..."
"... 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. ..." http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/bi...574762665?nk=60d82011b69fcca23ab98b7ad8a3f6e7
This appears to be a case of cross party cooperation in the national interest and one of mutual respect. As such it's a huge credit to both Bishop and to Rudd.
Perhaps it even partly explains why Bishop has been the outstanding performer in Abbott's rotten government, why she was the one to confront Vladimir Putin after Abbott threatened to shirt-front him and why she has emerged as the front-runner to knock Abbott off his perch.
