Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Department of Defence secretary Greg Moriarty as Australia’s new Ambassador to the US, succeeding Kevin Rudd in March. Moriarty, who has extensive experience in international policy and diplomacy, was consulted by the Trump administration regarding his appointment. While the decision has been welcomed, Greens MP David Shoebridge criticized Moriarty’s record in defence procurement. Rudd expressed delight at the appointment, highlighting Moriarty’s familiarity with US alliance relations and AUKUS.
