Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday that Greg Moriarty, who currently serves as secretary of the Department of Defence, will be appointed as Australia’s next ambassador to the United States.
Albanese described Moriarty as "an outstanding Australian public servant" while speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation television. The prime minister said the U.S. administration had been notified of Moriarty’s selection and indicated it was satisfied with the nominee.
The move replaces Kevin Rudd, the former Australian prime minister who earlier this month said he would conclude his ambassadorial posting in March, a year earlier than originally scheduled. Rudd had drawn public criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump after making critical remarks about Trump prior to taking up the ambassador role.
In an October event at the White House, President Trump criticised Rudd, saying: "I don’t like you either, and I probably never will." That exchange preceded Rudd’s decision to step down ahead of the originally anticipated end of his term.
Albanese’s announcement framed Moriarty as a senior civil servant with the credentials to represent Australia in Washington. The prime minister’s comments on national television underscored the government’s view of Moriarty’s suitability for the post and signalled that the United States had been consulted about the appointment.
The transition follows Rudd’s public confirmation that he would shorten his tenure and depart in March. Beyond the confirmation that the White House was briefed on Moriarty’s selection and expressed approval, the government’s statement focused on Moriarty’s record in public service.
Context provided in official remarks:
- Prime Minister Albanese announced Moriarty’s selection on national television and praised his public service record.
- Kevin Rudd indicated he will finish his posting in March, bringing forward his departure by a year.
- President Trump publicly criticised Rudd at a White House event in October with the remark, "I don’t like you either, and I probably never will."