FED:Rudd joins UN, Abbott rages = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2010
FED:Rudd joins UN, Abbott rages = 2

Mr Rudd has defended his decision to take up the position.

"This appointment is entirely consistent with Mr Rudd's work as a member of parliament
should he be re-elected at the coming election," his spokesman said in a statement.

The panel's first meeting will be held in about one month's time, which is likely to
be only meeting this year, while there should be another two in 2011.

Mr Rudd, who will not be paid, had a "strong commitment to building on the international
agreements on climate change," the statement said.

The panel is expected to deliver its final report by the end of 2011, ahead of the
2012 UN conference on sustainable development in Rio de Janeiro.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard wasn't buying Mr Abbott's attack on Labor's so-called
"part-time ministers".

"He's probably trying to avoid answering questions on this (the economy) today, and
so talking about other matters," she told reporters in Adelaide.

She did not comment on Mr Rudd or his new role.

AAP cj/rL/JLW

KEYWORD: POLL10 RUDD 2 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

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