Defence boss Greg Moriarty will succeed Kevin Rudd as Australian ambassador to the United States, taking over the key role in shoring up the two nations’ security ties.
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 Rudd’s scheduled exit from the role at the end of March.
“Mr Moriarty is an outstanding Australian public servant,” 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.”
Under the security pact, Australia has been promised at least three Virginia-class submarines from the United States in the early 2030s, before a new fleet of vessels is built for delivery from the 2040s.
The $368 billion submarine deal with the United States was cast into doubt when a Pentagon review was launched, although the Trump administration has since reiterated its support for the pact.
As the United States struggles to meet its submarine production target, security experts have raised concerns Australia might not be sold the boats.
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 Republican administration, having previously been a strident critic of Trump.
Rudd pointed to Moriarty’s decades of experience working on Australia’s relationship with the United States and as a diplomat.
“He is deeply familiar with AUKUS and will be a critical leader in driving AUKUS implementation,” he said.
“The relationship could be in no better hands.”
Albanese said Rudd could look back on his time as ambassador “with real pride.”
Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus, said the appointment was “great news for both nations.”
“His deep knowledge of and connections in Washington and across the country ensures that there will be a zero learning curve for the duties and mission of this critical position,” he said.
“There is still much work to be done to strengthen the alliance, and he is well-positioned to succeed on that mission.”
Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash also welcomed the appointment, describing Moriarty as a “safe pair of hands.”
The defence boss previously served as Australian ambassador to Iran and then Indonesia before returning to Canberra.
