Albanese Appoints Keith Pitt as Ambassador to the Holy See

Anthony Albanese will appoint Nationals MP Keith Pitt as Ambassador to the Holy See in a surprising diplomatic move.

Defying convention by naming a former opponent, Mr Albanese follows in the footsteps of the Rudd government that also appointed a Nationals MP to the newly-created diplomatic post at the Vatican.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd previously appointed former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer as the nation's first resident ambassador to the Holy See.

The Member for Hinkler, Mr Pitt, who announced his exit from politics late last year citing "frustration" and policy disagreements, hinted at the time that a new, undisclosed job opportunity contributed to his decision.

He said, "I'm wishing Peter Dutton all the best in 2025, but I've got a very unexpected opportunity. My wife has asked me every week since I started why am I still doing this? And I've finally got to the point where I've said, 'Well, actually it's time to let someone else have a go'."

He confirmed, "To be clear, there will be no by-election for the federal seat of Hinkler prior to the 2025 general election."

The seat of Hinkler has more than 117,000 voters, covering the Bundaberg region and Hervey Bay community. Mr Pitt leaves with a 10.1 per cent margin.

In his statement, he mentioned informing colleagues he would not contest the 2025 election. He reflected on his time in politics as "an incredible privilege ... some extraordinary successes, many highs and some unfortunate lows".

Mr Pitt added, "In my view, political parties without purpose soon disappear ... I just think there's been a shift in terms of policy positions that is sold as discipline but it's more about obedience."

When asked about Mr Pitt's comments earlier this year, opposition leader Peter Dutton claimed Mr Pitt was "frustrated" at not being given a frontbench promotion.

Mr Pitt is among several Coalition MPs announcing their retirement prior to the next election, joining Simon Birmingham, Paul Fletcher, Linda Reynolds, Karen Andrews, David Gillespie, Warren Entsch, Gavin Pearce, and Rowan Ramsey.

In a related incident, shortly after the 2022 election, Mr Pitt was at the centre of controversy over Scott Morrison's secret swearing-in as resources minister, which ultimately undermined Mr Pitt's authority.

Mr Pitt was reportedly "shocked" to find out that Mr Morrison had been sworn in as a second minister in his portfolio, leading to concerns over transparency and governance within the administration.

Coalition sources have shared that Mr Pitt expressed his concerns to the deputy prime minister, Michael McCormack, who reminded him, "he's the prime minister".

Many former cabinet ministers expressed confusion or disapproval over the actions taken by the former prime minister.

One former minister commented, "The problem with Scott is he had this grandiose view of himself."