A show of Rudd's influence

Comments on Annmaree O'Keeffe “Aid sector all go but no direction”, 17/05/2011, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budgets/aid-sector-all-go-but-no-direction/story-fn8gf1nz-1226057773073

The large increase in foreign aids money at a time of restrained increase in the budget total may have something to do with Rudd as the Foreign Minister.

Gillard and Swan probably didn't have the courage to refuse any reasonable demand by Rudd, given the current situation with the Gillard's minority government in the parliament.

The government commissioned review in last November could also have something to do with Rudd as the foreign minister, after losing his prime ministership and the election outcome.

The fact, that Rudd didn’t do it during when he was prime minister, but did it soon after he became the foreign minister, indicates his interesting role in the Gillard government.