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Australia's outgoing Ambassador to the United States, Kim Beazley, who hands over the role on Thursday to former federal Treasurer, Joe Hockey, has described his six years in the job as "unusual" given the tumultuous political landscape back in Canberra.
Beazley said Americans in Washington were fascinated by the Australian political system that allowed for five changes of Prime Minister in those six years: Kevin Rudd (twice), Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull.
The former Labor Party leader appeared on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) 7.30 program on Wednesday night and said while he was never embarrassed by the political upheaval in Canberra, he often found himself explaining the situation to perplexed Americans.
"It's never been embarrassing, it's just been, from the point of view of the Americans, bemusing," he told the ABC from Washington on Wednesday night.
"They're just curious about a system which permitted so many changes."
"It's not been a difficult thing to explain, it's just been somewhat unusual."
Beazley, a former Labour Party leader, said Hockey, who will begin his duties in a matter of days, would not be "starting from scratch" when he takes over.
"Most of the senior (embassy) officers here have got months, if not years, to run in their appointments. So they will provide continuity, they will provide a base of comfort to Joe as he instals himself here and by six months from now he will be a veteran," Beazley said.
"This is the best time for him to come; he's coming in the middle of an election campaign that is going to definitely see a change over the U.S. presidency."
Beazley said he departs his role as Ambassador with Australia in high standing with the U.S., partly due to the nation's cooperation in combating extremist group Islamic State in the Middle East.
The 67-year-old said he will miss the significance of the ambassador title most.
"You're really engaging the Americans and you're sending back home significant information," he said.
"And when you come to the stage in life that I've reached, to still be able to do something of value psychologically is precious. "
Beazley, and his wife Susie, will return to Western Australia once they leave the United States.
