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| Stephen Smith MP |
DENNIS SHANAHAN, POLITICAL EDITOR
SENIOR Defence Force officials are concerned that shifting Stephen Smith back to foreign affairs will disrupt strategic defence plans, and mean the Labor government has had four defence ministers in as many years.
Amid the furore over the offer to former NSW premier Bob Carr to become foreign minister to replace Kevin Rudd, who resigned last week, fears are growing within the Defence establishment that policy development will be harmed with the swearing-in of yet another minister.
Mr Smith, who gave up the foreign affairs portfolio when Julia Gillard was elected in August 2010 to make way for Mr Rudd, is now insisting on getting his old job back.
Read the full story at The Australian