Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed former South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the UK.
“Jay Weatherill is an entirely appropriate appointment,” Albanese said on Nov. 10 at a press conference in Canberra.
Weatherill served as South Australia’s 45th premier for more than six years and spent 16 years in the state parliament.
During that period, he held several major portfolios, including treasurer, education, state development, and environment.
Albanese highlighted Weatherill’s record in defence policy and energy reform, noting his role in shaping national debate around sovereign capability, renewable targets, and environmental protection.
“As premier, he was instrumental in establishing South Australia’s leadership in the defence industry, including in the construction of submarines,” Albanese said.
“And as a proud South Australian, as our future high commissioner, Jay is well placed to take forward AUKUS in our nation’s interest, particularly with SSN AUKUS, which we will be doing in partnership with the UK.”
The prime minister also thanked outgoing High Commissioner Stephen Smith for his work abroad.
He praised Smith for his leadership on defence and security matters, as well as his contributions to international cooperation.
“Stephen has done a remarkable job in representing Australia’s interests across the UK, across security and defence matters in particular,” Albanese said.
Tributes to Richardson and Laws
The announcement came as Albanese acknowledged the deaths of two prominent Australian figures—Labor stalwart Graham Richardson and veteran broadcaster John Laws.
Albanese described Richardson, who passed away on Nov. 8, as “someone who made an enormous difference” through his service in the Hawke and Keating governments.
“He, more than anyone else, I think, is responsible for Labor being the party of the natural environment and protecting their natural environment,” Albanese said, noting Richardson’s work in safeguarding the Daintree rainforest.
He recalled Richardson as a fierce political operator inside the party.
“He fought politics hard inside the Labor Party and on behalf of the Labor Party,” Albanese said.
The prime minister confirmed that Richardson’s family has accepted the government’s offer of a state funeral.
“My heart goes out to Amanda and D’Arcy,” he said.
Laws died peacefully in his Woolloomooloo home in Sydney’s inner-city over the weekend just two weeks after being released from hospital. He was 90 years old.
“His voice resonated throughout our nation. People trusted John Laws. They listened to John Laws. And they engaged with John Laws,” the prime minister said.
