Peter Dutton’s contention that Kevin Rudd is Anthony Albanese’s problem, does not pass the pub test. Dutton has joined Murdoch media elements to shift from his original position to support Rudd in his capacity as Australia’s ambassador to questioning Albanese’s judgement in making the appointment.

There is nothing subtle about Peter Dutton. If he sniffs an opportunity that may give him a political edge, he will pounce irrespective of the merits of the argument he pursues. Rudd has been a divisive figure within Labor in the past, but as Australia’s representative in the US, his excellent intellect and his tireless work ethic make him a more-than-suitable choice for the job.

Even Paul Kelly, doyen of Australian conservative reporting, revealed the sinister nature of this operation. “The campaign against Rudd comes from Australia not America. To the extent that it is promoted by the Coalition and its media backers, it seeks to damage Labor while undermining the national interest. It needs to be called out.”

Nigel Farage revealed that “friends at Sky News Australia” had urged him to ask Donald Trump his opinion of Rudd now that his less-than-flattering comments made about Trump had been scoured out by trawling journalists in their attempts to destroy him.

This low-level attack on our ambassador augurs for a bitter election campaign to be fought in the new year.