Defence department chief Greg Moriarty to succeed Kevin Rudd as Australian ambassador to US

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Tom McIlroy Political editorJanuary 25, 2026 at 01:22 AM

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Greg Moriarty, the current head of Australia's Department of Defence, has been appointed as the next Australian ambassador to the United States. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced the appointment on Sunday. Moriarty, a career public servant and former chief of staff to Malcolm Turnbull, will replace Kevin Rudd in Washington D.C. He previously served as Australian envoy to Iran and Indonesia and has led the defence department since 2017. Moriarty will assume the role in April, representing Australia's interests, including the progression of the Aukus agreement, with the US government.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Iran 40% Indonesia 40% Trump administration 60% Malcolm Turnbull ×260% Penny Wong 70% Kevin Rudd 70% Aukus agreement 70% Anthony Albanese 70% United States 80% Department of Defence ×280% Australia ×280% Greg Moriarty ×390%

Keywords

australian ambassador 100% greg moriarty 90% united states 80% defence department 70% kevin rudd 60% aukus agreement 50% anthony albanese 40% penny wong 40%