Don Farrell defends granting former Labor union ally US role

Trade Minister Don Farrell has been under scrutiny after he granted an US diplomatic job to a former Labor politician, overriding a decision to award a highly-qualified female candidate for the role.

Senator Farrell said Chris Ketter, who was appointed Australia’s consul-general and trade investment commissioner in San Francisco in July had wide experience in government, defense and technology. Labor MPs defended Farrell’s decision to award Ketter the role but the opposition spokesman Kevin Hogan likened it to the appointment of former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro to the role of state trade commissioner. 

Image: Image: Shutterstock – Larcsky789

Produced By: Tahlia Kraefft

Featured In Story: Dr Peter Chen, a Senior Lecturer in Government and International Relations at The University of Sydney

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 25 October 2023