Kevin Rudd due to meet Joe Biden as he begins as Australia’s US ambassador

Kevin Rudd will soon meet Joe Biden to formally begin as Australia’s US ambassador, but while DC is welcoming the ex-PM, others aren’t so sure. Find out why.

Kevin Rudd will soon meet US President Joe Biden to formally begin his posting as Australia’s ambassador in Washington DC.

The former prime minister – who took over from Arthur Sinodinos on Monday – said he was “proud to be flying the flag for Australia”.

His appointment has been welcomed in Washington but some Australian diplomatic officials and government figures have been wary about the move, given Dr Rudd’s Labor colleagues once dubbed him a “psychopath” and a “control freak”.

After being appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong in December, Dr Rudd quipped that he was “slowly being demoted”.

But Australian and US leaders who have spoken to Dr Rudd about his new role said he was keen to rejoin the public service to play a practical role in managing what he has described as “really dangerous times” sparked by China’s increasing aggression.

Great first few days on the job meeting the @AusintheUS Embassy team. pic.twitter.com/VGGDPGfnIz

— Kevin Rudd AC (@AmboRudd) March 22, 2023

That meant giving up his $US1m position leading the Asia Society think tank, and leaving the five-storey New York townhouse he bought for $US8.25m in 2017 just around the corner from the United Nations, where he once hoped to be the Secretary-General.

“I think it’s time for all hands on the pump,” Dr Rudd told CNN earlier this month.

Dr Rudd, who declined to be interviewed in his first week, presented his credentials to US Chief of Protocol Rufus Gifford and will soon formalise his position at the White House.

DFAT insiders said staff were “on edge” to see how the ex-PM – who started his career as a diplomat – handled the job.

In Washington, Dr Rudd will live in the ambassador’s residence known as White Oaks, which was built a century ago and was once the home of famous US military leader George Patton.

He will be paid at the upper end of the top public service salary band, which ranges from $292,000 to $441,000, on top of about half his post-parliamentary pension that is worth an estimated $216,000.

Kevin Rudd hands his credentials to US Chief of Protocol Rufus Gifford. Picture: Twitter

In his first week, Dr Rudd also met US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, and attended a dialogue about the AUKUS security pact.

Dr Rudd – who criticised Australia’s nuclear submarine plan prior to his appointment – spoke about the importance of AUKUS and what was needed for it to succeed, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Mr Sinodinos said Dr Rudd brought “a huge amount to the table” and he was “genuinely excited” about his appointment, while fellow former ambassador and Labor leader Kim Beazley said he would not “find it easy” but was ready for the “humbling” job.

Mr Albanese said he would be an “outstanding ambassador” and an “important asset” for Australia in the US.

“Kevin Rudd is fully aware of the responsibilities that he has, and he will fulfil them,” the Prime Minister said earlier this year.

Originally published as Kevin Rudd due to meet Joe Biden as he begins as Australia’s US ambassador