Keith Pitt has been a firm conservative voice within Coalition ranks, and recently announced he would be stepping down.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to announce former federal MP Keith Pitt as Ambassador to the Holy See—a role overseeing diplomatic relations with the Vatican.
The previous Queensland Liberal Nationals Party Member for Hinkler Pitt announced in December that he would not contest his safe seat in the 2025 federal election citing internal policy differences regarding net zero.
“I am as humbled now, as I was after winning my first campaign, by the backing of the local LNP members, volunteers and supporters,” he said.
“Without them I could never have held this seat for four terms for the Coalition.
“While I know some will be disappointed, I’m sure my decision will be warmly welcomed by others.”
Role of the Ambassador
The last Australian ambassador to the Holy See was Chiara Porro.
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Porro, born in Italy, was appointed to the role in 2020 up until November last year.
The position is currently overseen by charge d’affaires—or subordinate diplomat—Marcus Wu.
The Embassy works with the Holy See on objectives like promoting human rights, peace efforts, dealing with human trafficking, and climate change, according to the official website.
Former serviceman and Catholic commentator Bernard Gaynor told The Epoch Times that while the role of an ambassador was important, more needed to be done to protect religious rights on home soil.
“Ordinary Catholics in Australia face the loss of their jobs and livelihoods and even possible imprisonment for simply daring to express Catholic teaching in public about marriage and family,” he said.
No By-Election for Empty Seat
Meanwhile, there will be no by-election for the now-vacated seat of Pitt.
When his office was contacted for comment on another topic during the week, Pitt’s staff told The Epoch Times that the MP had resigned in January and was unable to supply comment. His Bundaberg office remains open to assist constituents.
The former resources minister originally stated he would fulfil the end of his term, however, on Jan. 29, Parliament issued a statement that both Pitt and Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten had resigned.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick decided by-elections should not be held for either seats due to the likelihood of voters having to go to two elections in quick succession.
