‘He will have to rebuild bridges’: Joe Hockey weighs in on new Rudd appointment

Joe Hockey says Kevin Rudd will have to rebuild bridges with “various parties” following his appointment as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the new appointment for Mr Rudd.

Speaking to Sky News Australia, former US Ambassador Joe Hockey said he felt the Americans would give Mr Rudd a “warm welcome”.

“Kevin Rudd has spent a lifetime in diplomacy, and he’ll deploy all of his diplomatic skills I’m sure to make the appointment a raging success,” Mr Hockey said.

Mr Hockey was questioned whether Mr Rudd would have to “tone down” or even “turn off” his vocal public commentary once in the role.

“Look, Kevin Rudd understands diplomacy – he’ll do a fine job, I have no doubt about that,” Mr Hockey said.

“I think he does have enough humility to understand that there’ll be bridges that he’ll need to rebuild with various parties.”