The race is on to choose Australia's next ambassador to the United States, with current and former Labor figures polishing their resumes after Kevin Rudd's resignation.
Dr Rudd will finish at the end of March, stepping down a year early to return to his old job as president and chief executive of the prestigious Asia Society think tank.
He will also head the society's Centre for China Analysis.
The former Labor prime minister was appointed to the diplomatic role in 2023 but faced a tumultuous period under the Trump administration, having previously been a strident critic of the US president.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese must now choose a new ambassador, with former Labor figures Joel Fitzgibbon and Stephen Conroy believed to be in the mix.
Current ministers Richard Marles and Don Farrell are also under consideration.
Former ambassador Arthur Sinodinos praised Dr Rudd's work in the role and said whoever took over needed to focus on keeping initiatives on track.
"Make sure AUKUS remains on track, make sure the critical minerals deal delivers real projects ... making sure that the trade investment links become thickened and increased," he told AAP.
Mr Sinodinos, previously a minister in the Turnbull government before becoming ambassador, said while the government could choose a career diplomat for the role, a political appointment was much more likely.
"Politics does teach you a few things that can be useful in dealing with the leadership of other countries," he said.
Mr Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong were among the officials to praise Dr Rudd's work as ambassador.
"As prime minister, I have visited the United States on no less than seven occasions, that is because of the productive work that Kevin Rudd has done across the board," Mr Albanese said.
Former ambassador Joe Hockey was also full of praise for Dr Rudd, saying he had "put in a huge effort" in the role.
"It is not an easy job and he has worked really hard for Australia over the past three years," Mr Hockey said.
But the opposition has been more critical of Dr Rudd and the government's handling of his resignation.
After an awkward encounter in the White House, where Mr Trump told Dr Rudd "I don't like you ... and I probably never will", Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called for the ambassador to be sacked.
Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said the coalition acknowledged Dr Rudd's service and urged Mr Albanese to announce his replacement as soon as possible.
"At this moment of global uncertainty it would have been prudent and better for Australia's national interest to have a replacement announced today," she said.
"The prime minister must now ensure Australia's next ambassador is someone who can build, not complicate, that relationship and strengthen our standing with our most important ally."
