FED: Career diplomat goes to Washington

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-1999
FED: Career diplomat goes to Washington

A trusted adviser to both JOHN HOWARD and PAUL KEATING is to replace ANDREW PEACOCK
as Australia's ambassador to the United States.

Denying it is a case of jobs-for-the-boys, Prime Minister HOWARD says Mr THAWLEY, his
foreign affairs adviser, is the best person for the job.

He points out Mr THAWLEY was also a trusted adviser to Mr KEATING.

Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY has applauded the appointment, saying it was pleasing
to see a career diplomat get the job.

Mr THAWLEY joined the foreign affairs department in 1972 and has served overseas in
Rome, Moscow and Tokyo.

During a Nine network interview Mr HOWARD also conceded the coalition, in opposition,
might have been wrong in criticising Mr KEATING for appointing his adviser DON RUSSELL
as ambassador to Washington.

AAP RTV mfh/arb/msk

KEYWORD: THAWLEY (CANBERRA)

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