My previous post took a slightly different take on the story suggesting the Prime Minister had personally intervened to block an ambassadorial appointment to Germany. Rather than buy into a diplomatic spat around Prime Ministerial micro-management, my main aim was to make the point that we should be doing more to value and encourage multi-lingualism.
But a follow-up article today suggests the Prime Minister, when asked about the issue, has told a flagrant fib in an effort to disguise the real reasons for his action – which means the matter does deserve some closer examination.
The article states that Mr Borrowman, whose appointment as Ambassador to Germany was allegedly blocked because he didn’t speak German, actually is proficient in that language.
The article says:
Mr Rudd, asked yesterday why he stopped the appointment, said his preference was “to have people in positions who spoke the language well”.
“I am just saying it is general philosophy and I think you know me well that when it comes to foreign diplomatic appointments I do place priority on languages, as does the minister and last time I looked at Germany they speak German.”
Looks fairly fishy to me.
I’m not very interested in political ‘gotcha’ games. But, if all that has been outlined in these articles is true, this sort of thing can very quickly create a negative and destructive atmosphere amongst public servants and the diplomatic sector – something that isn’t very helpful for the public interest, which is what all these ambassadors and diplomatics should ultimately be working towards.
One Comment
The PM can change the atmosphere without necessarily telling lies. Baiting and mocking can be destructive too.
Maybe it was just my perspective, but the Opposition leader pre-2007 election was someone that gave me the impression he meant business.
To see antics in the house like that on 2nd June and by the Prime Minister (2.13pm) and Minister for Infrastructure, taunting the opposition during question time about an incident that morning in the joint party room.
I have trouble taking people seriously when they stoop to baiting others with comments like “The member for Hume thought it was 1 June and he gave the member for Aston a pinch and a punch for the first of the month….”
It doesnt happen often, but I was in complete agreement with Mr Tuckey in his comments prior to 2:34 pm.