Albanese names ‘outstanding’ person to replace Rudd as US ambassador
- Defense department boss Greg Moriarty has been appointed Australia's next ambassador to the US, replacing former prime minister Kevin Rudd.
- Mr Moriarty has led the department since late 2017 and previously served as chief of staff to then-Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on Sunday ahead of Dr Rudd's scheduled exit from the role at the end of March.
Defense department boss Greg Moriarty has been appointed Australia’s next ambassador to the US, replacing former prime minister Kevin Rudd.
Mr Moriarty has led the department since late 2017 and previously served as chief of staff to then-Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on Sunday ahead of Dr Rudd’s scheduled exit from the role at the end of March.
“Mr Moriarty is an outstanding Australian public servant,” Mr Albanese told ABC’s Insiders program.
“I’ve been impressed by the dignified way in which he handles himself, by his connections in the United States.
“The AUKUS relationship is central to our relationship with the United States and he’s in a very strong position to be on top of all of that detail.”
Secretary of the department of defence Greg Moriarty in February 2025. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Dr Rudd, a former Labor prime minister, was appointed in 2023 but resigned from the role a year early.
He faced a tumultuous period under the Trump administration, having previously been a strident critic of the US president.
Mr Albanese said dr Rudd could look back on his time as ambassador “with real pride”.
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