Former Oz PM Rudd appointed foreign affairs minister in Gillard’s new cabinet

CANBERRA - Former Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has been appointed as the Foreign Affairs Minister in Julia Gillard’s new cabinet.

Rudd, who was Labor foreign affairs spokesman while in opposition, would take over from Stephen Smith who has held the portfolio since Labor won the 2007 election. Smith has been appointed as the Defense Minister of the country, News.com.au reports.

Earlier, the country’s first female premier, Julia Gillard, had promised that Rudd would be appointed to a senior position in her cabinet.

Meanwhile, Smith admitted that he would have preferred to remain foreign minister but acknowledged Gillard’s right to choose her own cabinet.

“I was very happy to continue with foreign affairs but it was the prime minister’s decision to appoint Rudd to that role. She asked me what I would like to do and I said defence,” Smith added.

However, many experts had raised concerns prior to his appointment, saying, he would be a “risky choice” for the job as he had damaged relations with key international partners while in power. (ANI)