Senator Russell Trood (Liberal, Queensland) today welcomed the publication of the Blue Ribbon Panel Report on Australia’s diplomatic deficit: reinvesting in our instruments of international policy by the Lowy Institute for international Policy.

The report makes the point that, looking into the future, diplomacy is likely to be an increasingly important instrument of Australian foreign policy and that over many years the resources available to support it have been declining to a dangerous level.

"The misallocation of resources and the poor policy priorities forced on the Department since the Rudd Government came to office has only served to exacerbate the situation" Senator Trood said.

"This is an important report which deserves to be taken seriously by the Rudd Government. It underscores the need for a dramatic increase in funding for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and makes a compelling case for the government to commit itself to an urgent renewal of Australia's foreign service." Senator Trood said.

Senator Trood noted that he had been pressing for a substantial improvement in funding for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for a long period of time.

"Our diplomatic service is a highly professional organisation staffed by individuals strongly committed to the prosecution of Australia's interest around the world. But its good work has been seriously impeded by a shortage of resources and a serious decline in overseas representation" Senator Trood said.