Fed: PM denies plan to appoint former minister to ambassadorship

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2007
Fed: PM denies plan to appoint former minister to ambassadorship

CANBERRA, April 19 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard has denied he is planning to bestow
an ambassadorship on another former minister.

Senator Rod Kemp, a former arts and sports minister, has been promised the post of
Australia's ambassador to France, The Canberra Times reported today.

"I've had no such discussions," Mr Howard told journalists in Canberra today.

"And all of that is news to me."

Senator Kemp has already denied being offered a posting.

The reports come amid ongoing speculation that former immigration minister Amanda Vanstone
is set to take up a job as Australia's ambassador to Italy.

The prime minister sparked speculation that Senator Vanstone was heading for a diplomatic
post when he said she was eager to continue with public service as he announced her sacking
as minister in January.

Senator Vanstone has denied doing a deal for a diplomatic post in return for leaving
the ministry, but will not comment on her future plans.

She has been widely tipped to resign from politics before parliament resumes on May 8.

AAP jb/mfh/cjh/cdh

KEYWORD: KEMP

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