Gillard assures Rudd won’t dominate Oz foreign policy initiatives

CANBERRA - Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has indicated that her predecessor Kevin Rudd will not dominate the country’s foreign policy initiatives as foreign minister.

“Obviously it will be run by the government as a team, we will work as a team,” she told ABC Television when asked about foreign policy.

“There will be involvement by the cabinet. Ultimately of course I’m the leader,” She added.

There is speculation that Rudd will be a hands-on minister who may seek to create his own power base from foreign affairs.

The man who is moving aside to make way for Mr Rudd in the post, Stephen Smith, left a warning for both Ms Gillard and Mr Rudd when he said there should not be a crack of light between the Prime Minister and the foreign minister on policy matters.

“Kevin and I will be working together, playing those complementary roles,” Gillard said.

She also praised Rudd’s record on foreign affairs, saying he had done well to help establish the G-20, of which Australia is a member - as the main body for dealing with the global financial crisis. (ANI)