In a significant diplomatic move, the Australian government has appointed Greg Moriarty, the current head of the Department of Defence, as the country’s new ambassador to the United States. Moriarty, who previously served as Australia’s inaugural counter-terrorism coordinator and held key roles in the Australian government, will succeed former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in the Washington posting, effective from April.
Announcing the appointment, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong praised Moriarty’s distinguished public service record, noting his experience working with both Labor and Coalition governments. Albanese highlighted Moriarty’s strong connections in the United States and his central role in the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement, which is a crucial component of Australia’s relationship with the US.
Moriarty’s background includes serving as Australia’s envoy to Iran and Indonesia, as well as working in the US Central Command during the Gulf War operations. He has also represented Australia in Papua New Guinea and as a negotiator for the Bougainville peace monitoring group.
The decision to appoint Moriarty comes as Australia navigates the complex political landscape of the Trump administration. Albanese acknowledged that Rudd’s vocal criticism of the former US president had created some diplomatic tensions, and the government believes Moriarty’s diplomatic acumen and connections will be valuable in this context.
Rudd, who is stepping down from the ambassador role a year ahead of schedule, will take on a new position as the global president of the Asia Society think tank and head of its Center for China Analysis. Albanese praised Rudd’s work in advancing the AUKUS agreement and his efforts on critical minerals deals and Australian superannuation fund investments in the US.
Moriarty’s appointment also comes as the Australian government undertakes a major overhaul of the defence bureaucracy, with the merging of several agencies and the establishment of an independent delivery agency to manage major defence and military projects. The new ambassador will be tasked with representing Australia’s interests in these developments as they progress with the Trump administration.
Overall, the selection of Greg Moriarty as the next Australian ambassador to the United States reflects the government’s desire to have an experienced and well-connected diplomat at the helm of this crucial diplomatic posting during a period of significant geopolitical and strategic shifts.
