Key Takeaways:
- Greg Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia’s next ambassador to the United States
- Moriarty has extensive experience in international policy, including serving as Secretary of the Department of Defence and ambassador to Indonesia and Iran
- He has worked closely with the US and UK on the development and implementation of AUKUS
- Moriarty has held senior positions in the Office of the Prime Minister, including International and National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff
- Kevin Rudd stepped down from his ambassadorial role a year earlier than expected and will take up a new role as president and chief executive of the Asia Society think tank
Introduction to the New Ambassador
The Australian government has announced that Department of Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd as the country’s next ambassador to the United States. This decision was made public by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who stated that Moriarty is uniquely qualified to take forward the Australia-US alliance. With his extensive experience in international policy, Moriarty is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of this critical role. As Secretary of the Department of Defence since 2017, Moriarty has played a key role in shaping Australia’s defence policy and has worked closely with the US and UK on various initiatives, including the development and implementation of AUKUS.
Moriarty’s Background and Experience
Moriarty has a long and distinguished career in the Australian Public Service, with a range of senior roles under his belt. He has served as Australia’s ambassador to Indonesia from 2010 to 2014 and to Iran from 2005 to 2008. In addition, he has held senior positions in the Office of the Prime Minister, including International and National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff to then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. In 2015, Moriarty was appointed as Australia’s inaugural Counter Terrorism Coordinator in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This wealth of experience has given him a deep understanding of Australia’s international policy and has prepared him well for his new role as ambassador to the US.
Moriarty’s Achievements in the Defence Department
During his time as Secretary of the Department of Defence, Moriarty has overseen significant developments in Australia’s defence policy. One of his key achievements has been the historic increase in the Defence budget, which has enabled the country to enhance its military capabilities and play a more active role in regional and global affairs. Moriarty has also played a key role in the development and implementation of AUKUS, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the US, and the UK. This initiative has been seen as a significant step forward in strengthening the Australia-US alliance and has paved the way for greater cooperation between the three countries on defence and security issues.
Kevin Rudd’s Departure and Legacy
Kevin Rudd, who has been serving as Australia’s ambassador to the US since 2019, has stepped down from his role a year earlier than expected. During his time in the US, Rudd has been a strong advocate for the Australia-US alliance and has worked tirelessly to promote Australian interests in the country. However, his tenure has not been without controversy, including an awkward encounter with former President Donald Trump in October. Despite this, Rudd has been widely respected for his dedication to public service and his commitment to strengthening the Australia-US relationship. He will now take up a new role as president and chief executive of the Asia Society think tank, where he will continue to play a key role in shaping the regional agenda.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The appointment of Greg Moriarty as Australia’s next ambassador to the US marks an important milestone in the country’s diplomatic relations with its key ally. With his extensive experience in international policy and his deep understanding of the Australia-US alliance, Moriarty is well-placed to take forward the relationship and promote Australian interests in the US. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that the Australia-US alliance will remain a critical component of its foreign policy, and Moriarty’s appointment is a significant step forward in strengthening this relationship. With his strong background and experience, Moriarty is poised to make a significant contribution to the advancement of Australian interests in the US and to further cement the strong bonds between the two countries.
