Beazley gets think tank job

Kim Beazley will take up a role with an Australian-based global think tank on his return from Washington.

Mr Beazley, the ambassador to the United States and former Labor leader, has accepted the role of national president of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

He will take up the post in January.

Mr Beazley is widely expected to be replaced as ambassador by former treasurer Joe Hockey, whose seat of North Sydney will go to a by-election this Saturday.

The institute has promoted interest in and understanding of international affairs since 1924.