Greg Moriarty to Succeed Kevin Rudd as Australia’s Ambassador to the US
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A seasoned diplomat with extensive national security experience, Greg Moriarty, will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia’s ambassador to the United States on March 31, 2026.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment on Sunday, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy as Rudd concludes his posting a year earlier than anticipated. The change comes amid ongoing complexities in the Australia-US relationship, particularly following the return of Donald Trump to office in 2024.
AUKUS Architect Steps Down
Kevin Rudd was appointed to the ambassadorial role in March 2023 and is credited with significant achievements during his tenure. Albanese lauded Rudd’s instrumental role in transforming the AUKUS security pact “from an idea into a reality,” as well as securing critical minerals deals and fostering strong leadership-level ties between the two nations.
However, Rudd’s previously critical remarks about former President Trump – labeling him “the most destructive president in history” – resurfaced following Trump’s re-election, creating diplomatic friction. Reports indicate a particularly tense exchange in 2025, where Trump reportedly told Rudd, “I don’t like you… and I probably never will.”
Moriarty’s Extensive Background
Greg Moriarty brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as Australia’s ambassador to Iran and Indonesia. He held senior postings in Papua New Guinea and, in 2015, became the nation’s first counter-terrorism coordinator. Most recently, Moriarty served as Secretary of the Department of Defence, placing him at the center of key policy developments.
Albanese emphasized that Moriarty is “exceptionally well-placed” to navigate the strategic, defense, and diplomatic challenges inherent in the role. His experience extends to high-level political and national security advising, having served as Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2017, a period marked by significant activity in these areas. Prior to that, he served as Turnbull’s International and National Security Adviser.
A Bipartisan Choice and Consultations with Washington
Moriarty’s background as Turnbull’s Chief of Staff is viewed as a bipartisan credential, potentially easing concerns about political alignment. Importantly, Albanese confirmed that the Trump administration was consulted on Moriarty’s appointment, signaling a proactive approach to maintaining a stable relationship.
Unlike his predecessor, Moriarty maintains no public social media presence, mitigating the risk of past statements creating controversy. This deliberate lack of a digital footprint is seen by some as a strategic advantage in the current political climate.
Looking Ahead
As Rudd prepares to depart Washington on March 31st, the transition to Moriarty’s leadership marks a new chapter in Australia’s most critical diplomatic relationship. The appointment underscores the importance of a steady hand and deep understanding of both strategic and political landscapes as Australia navigates an increasingly complex global environment. In a related announcement, Albanese revealed that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Australia and address Parliament in March.
