Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard named former state premier Bob Carr as foreign minister to replace Kevin Rudd, who quit the post last week and then lost a leadership challenge against Ms. Gillard on Monday.

Carr retired from politics in 2005 after 10 years as premier of New South Wales state, where he played a key role in helping Sydney host the 2000 Olympics. The 64-year-old told a news conference Friday that he was conflicted about coming out of retirement.

In addition to being foreign minister, Carr will sit in the upper house of the Senate. Until Carr is sworn in, Craig Emerson will continue to hold the acting diplomatic post.