The Latest Breaking News from Kevin Rudd

At first blush, today’s announcement that Australia and Nauru have signed a security treaty offers something for both countries. Australia increases its influence in a region in which it feels threatened by China. Nauru receives economic assistance and reliable banking services.

Kevin Rudd’s less-than-diplomatic comments about Donald Trump raise questions about how we appoint our diplomats.

Australia’s ambassador to Washington is hardly alone in his past criticisms but Trump’s capacity to forgive seems reliant on twin tests of repentance and usefulness

Dennis Richardson claims an effort to ‘make Rudd’s life untenable’ is at play, despite others also criticising Donald Trump in the past

News Corp unleashes tidal wave of criticism over former PM’s barbs about Donald Trump. Plus: Sammy J delights in beating Kyle and Jackie O in Melbourne

The government is hoping to pass legislation that would prevent Clive Palmer-style campaign spending, and Australia has voted for a UN resolution recognising Palestine’s ‘permanent sovereignty’ over its resources.

Business moguls and world leaders are desperate to weasel into Trump’s good books. It’s humiliating but the payday is worth it

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The government is standing by Kevin Rudd, albeit with gritted teeth, in the face of calls for him to be replaced as Australia’s ambassador to Washington. But the row is an unhelpful and potentially damaging distraction for a prime minister beset by problems and under the shadow of an approaching…