An excellent article.

But task must be taken with author's insinuation that Rudd might stoop to jobs for past-it masters.

Woolcott's Indonesian (an important language indeed) proved masterful in the many mid 70's diplomatic conversations with that close confidant General Benni Murdani (the Butcher of East Timor).

That Woolcott's portrait hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in squeaky Canberra is no indicator of favouratism.

At the inauguration of Rudd's Asia Pacific Vision, ABC's Monica Attard held a timely interview http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/06/13/2274013.htm:

"MONICA ATTARD: Yes of course, now you were offered the post only, well according to one report two hours, according to another report five hours before Kevin Rudd announced his idea of a mega Asia Pacific community. Whatever it was, I assume that this has been an idea that the two of you have discussed before?

RICHARD WOOLCOTT: Well I was secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade when Kevin Rudd was a member of that department.

MONICA ATTARD: You were his boss indeed.

RICHARD WOOLCOTT: Well yes, well now he's mine but,..."

There is no Ye Olde boy/girl system. All must be based on merit.

And speaking for all taxpayers, we take pleasure in funding appreciative Kevie's mates, around and around the world forever.

Yes,very informative article. Surely the PM, of all people, should understand,Asians are now seting their own agendas and Australians are the ones who have to adapt.Obviously the rewards are worth the effort. Asian studies were expanding in the early 90s, what went wrong,the usual Oz apathy prevailed perhaps?

Interesting argument.
I would suggest that Rudd would have done better to consult widely first.
As presented he is rightly vulnerable to claims of 'bull at a gate' or arrogance. Certainly from a non European perspective.

I would suggest the dropping of Asian languages and culture in the 90's is/was a by-product of the ascendancy of our ever present Eurocentric conservatism

I expected KRudd to make an ass of himself and he has not disappointed.