And here's why Rudd should never have been given this post by Julie. From today's Australian:
"Gillard must be hoping that he stays out of the way -- and not offend too many nations Peter Van Onselen From: The Australian September 22, 2010 12:00AM
The business community should be as worried as any sector about what role Kevin Rudd will play as Foreign Minister. Australia's links internationally are all-important to our standard of living. China is crucial to our exports, our regional agreements are important to our competitive standing and security issues require deft management of the relationships we have with the US and China, not to mention an emerging India.
When Rudd was prime minister, his handling of business interests, here and overseas, was subprime at best and there is no reason to think he has learned any lessons since then.
A major component of good foreign affairs is enhancing Australia's economic links with other nations.
Rudd likes to think the foreign affairs portfolio is his opportunity to appear statesman-like on the world stage -- just as he tried to do on his first trip in flood-ravaged Pakistan and when meeting the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton -- or to press his claims for an overseas appointment.
While international diplomacy for the cameras is an inevitable part of any foreign minister's role, it really is just the window dressing. The more important task is forging overseas links which help Australian interests, and that usually involves paving the way for economic co-operation and trade links.
Rudd just isn't up to that task. He isn't a people person, never has been. He doesn't understand economics, never really has.
He doesn't respect business, all the more so after his ill-fated mining tax contributed to his downfall." etc.etc.
