Australia's former foreign minister set to decide on future
Updated
Australia's opposition leader Brendan Nelson says he expects the former foreign minister Alexander Downer will make a decision soon about his future in politics.
A Sunday Age report says Mr Downer will announce his retirement after he returns from the United States on Wednesday.
Mr Downer has been considering a career outside parliament since the Coalition lost power at the last election.
The former treasurer Peter Costello is another Liberal Party MP contemplating a change.
Dr Nelson says the pair have served the country well.
"I would suggest to you that Alexander Downer and Peter Costello between them have made arguably the greatest contribution along with John Howard over the last 12 years to this nation's economic and social development, they have earned the right to make a decision in consultation with their families and their electorates and they will do so in due course."
