Rudd makes Nelson his man in Europe

The Rudd government will make Brendan Nelson its new high-level envoy in Europe,
sending a signal that Australia is serious about the relationship.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced on Thursday that Dr Nelson would next February
become Australia's ambassador to the European Communities, Belgium and Luxembourg.
In addition, the former defence minister and Liberal leader will take on extra
responsibilities as Australia's representative to the North Atlantic Treaty
Organisation and the World Health Organisation.
The appointment is part of the Rudd government's efforts to boost Australia's
relationship with Europe, which was seen as flagging under the Howard government.
Just months after winning government, Mr Rudd made a crucial visit to Brussels to
illustrate the importance Australia attached to the relationship with Europe.
"(This appointment) will underpin the importance we attach to the relationship, at
the economic, foreign policy level and, in terms of NATO, the security policy
level," Mr Rudd told reporters.
Another consideration in Dr Nelson's appointment was the continuing challenges the
coalition partners, mostly NATO members, were facing in Afghanistan.
"Having a representative in Brussels who is a former defence minister and who knows
the political and policy terrain in Afghanistan well commended (Dr Nelson) for that
position," Mr Rudd said.
Dr Nelson's past life as a medical doctor was a factor in the WHO role, which Mr
Rudd said would be useful when dealing with global pandemics.
In his new position, Dr Nelson will be charged with selling the Rudd government's
climate change policy.
While his views on an emissions trading scheme don't mirror those of Labor, Dr
Nelson said it wouldn't be a problem.
"My job, obviously, will be to represent Australia's interests and the priorities of
the Australian government," he said.
The announcement of the plum diplomatic role came on Dr Nelson's last day in federal
parliament.
He will retire from federal politics at the end of this month after 13 years in the
game.
Like Kim Beazley, who was named as Australia's next ambassador to Washington on
Thursday, Dr Nelson has the relatively rare distinction of being appreciated by both
sides of politics.
Mr Rudd said he had needed a person of "distinction and great experience" to
undertake the important new role.
The government intends Dr Nelson to work closely with Australia's ambassador in
Vienna to advance the nation's engagement with the Organisation on Security and
Co-operation in Europe.
The OSCE works on issues such as arms control, counter-terrorism and conflict
prevention and resolution.
Dr Nelson's colleagues welcomed his appointment.
Malcolm Turnbull, who succeeded him as Liberal leader, said Dr Nelson would bring
the same "dedication and distinction" to diplomacy that he had brought to politics.
"After six years as a cabinet minister and a distinguished medical career before
entering politics, Dr Nelson is well qualified for the appointment," he said in a
statement.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Julie Bishop, who was Dr Nelson's deputy, said
he was ideally suited to the new role.
"He is a person of great intellect and integrity and I have no doubt he will excel
in this role," she said.