Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty replaces Kevin Rudd as Australia's US ambassador
Department of Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia’s next ambassador to the United States, the government has announced.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Albanese Government plans to propose Mr. Greg Moriarty AO as the next Ambassador of Australia to the United States of America, to the Governor-General.

“Mr. Moriarty is exceptionally suited to enhance the Australia-US partnership,” noted Prime Minister Albanese.

Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty during an estimates hearing at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 6 November 2024. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen (Alex Ellinghausen)

Boasting an illustrious career in Australia’s international policy, Moriarty has been the Secretary of the Department of Defence since 2017, showcasing his unmatched expertise in the public service sector.

Moriarty has a wealth of governmental experience, having served as Australia’s ambassador to Indonesia from 2010 to 2014, and to Iran from 2005 to 2008.

“He has also held pivotal roles within the Office of the Prime Minister, acting as International and National Security Adviser and later as Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull,” Albanese remarked.

In 2015, Moriarty was appointed as Australia’s first Counter Terrorism Coordinator within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Kevin Rudd addresses technology and innovation event in Seattle in 2025 (Alex Ellinghausen/Nine)
Rudd stepped down from his ambassadorial role a year earlier than expected. (Alex Ellinghausen/Nine)

During his time in the defence department, Moriarty oversaw “an historic increase” in the Defence budget, Albanese said.

“He has also led the Department working with counterparts in the United States and the United Kingdom in the development and implementation of AUKUS,” he said.

“We again thank the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC for his service.”

That included an awkward encounter with Donald Trump in October, who claimed he didn’t like Rudd and “probably never will” after historic social media posts criticising the president as a “traitor to the West” recirculated.

Rudd said he would remain in the US to take up a role as president and chief executive of the Asia Society think tank.

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