Retiring Nationals MP Keith Pitt set to become Australia’s ambassador to Vatican

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to announce outgoing Nationals MP Keith Pitt as Australia’s next ambassador to the Holy See.

The surprise diplomatic move comes after the Morrison-era minister announced in December that he would not recontest his seat of Hinkler at the coming federal election, citing frustrations with the Nationals’ approach to climate policy.

At the time, he also alluded to an “unexpected opportunity” that had come up. 

In January he formally resigned with immediate effect, leaving the safe Nationals seat vacant.

Queensland Nationals MP Colin Boyce described Mr Pitt as a great friend but said he was surprised when he found out about the posting.

“I wish Keith Pitt the best of luck for this future in the diplomatic corps,” he told the ABC.

“Receiving the appointment as the Ambassador to the Holy See is a wonderful thing.”

Labor insiders do not believe the party has any chance of winning Hinkler at this year’s election and, with a 10 per cent margin, the Nationals say the seat is not on their “watch list” as one to worry about.

Fellow National and former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer was Australia’s first ambassador to the Vatican, serving between 2008 and 2012.

Mr Albanese has already made a handful of diplomatic appointments during his term, including former prime minister Kevin Rudd as ambassador to the United States and former defence minister Stephen Smith as high commissioner to the United Kingdom. 

Mr Pitt was the resources and water minister under former prime minister Scott Morrison.

A new member for Hinkler in Queensland will be elected this year, in a poll scheduled on or before May 17.

Mr Pitt has been contacted for comment.