Joe Hockey's thirst for revenge
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has announced former treasurer Joe Hockey's appointment as Australia's next ambassador to the United States. 
Ms Bishop confirmed the appointment via a short press release on Tuesday morning.
The announcement comes after Saturday's byelection in Mr Hockey's former seat of North Sydney, which was won by former Hockey staffer Trent Zimmerman.
Mr Hockey will being his post in early 2016, replacing the widely respected Kim Beazley who has served in the role since 2010.
Mr Hockey resigned from Parliament after   September's leadership coup that saw Scott Morrison replace him as Treasurer.
He made his final speech to Parliament on   October 21.
"Our alliance with the United Sates is the bedrock of foreign and defence policy and we are working closely together on shared regional and global security, strategic and economic interests," the statement said.
More to come
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