Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that Kevin Rudd must abide by civil service guidelines that require diplomats to behave impartially.
The former Labor Party prime minister was introduced as Australia’s subsequent ambassador to the United States final December regardless of Anthony Albanese calling stories of the appointment “complete rubbish” forward of the election.
Foreign Secretary Wong declined to be concerned within the discussions that led to Rudd’s appointment, chatting with Sky News Australia on Thursday afternoon, as an alternative praising Mr Rudd as somebody who will convey “tremendous experience” and “an unparalleled level of expertise” to the position. .
But Minister Wong confirmed that Mr Rudd will “act in accordance with the principles, values and requirements of the Australian public service.”
“I am confident that he will live up to the expectations in every way that governments place on anyone who takes on this role,” Minister Wong instructed Sky News’ Afternoon Agenda.
Mr Rudd has maintained an lively and infrequently partisan social media presence since dropping his put up in 2014.
The former prime minister additionally campaigned towards News Corp (proprietor of Sky News Australia).
Under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Code of Conduct, DFAT staff aren’t permitted to make public statements that might be perceived as compromising both their “ability to impartially carry out their duties” or “the public confidence in the ministry”.
This consists of criticizing a authorities, MP, or political get together, or their respective insurance policies, in “so harsh or extreme a manner” as to “raise questions about the employee’s ability to work professionally, effectively, or impartially.”
When requested if she had spoken to Mr Rudd about his public feedback and if he needed to relinquish his Australian chairship in favor of Murdoch’s Royal Commission, Minister Wong reaffirmed her expectation that he would abide by the identical guidelines as all diplomats.
“I am confident that he will live up to the expectations in every way that governments place on anyone who takes on this role,” Minister Wong stated.
“That’s the nature of the situation and I expect it and I’m sure Mr Rudd understands that.”
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