Australia’s most senior defence bureaucrat, Greg Moriarty, has been named the country’s next ambassador to the United States, in a significant diplomatic appointment that underscores Canberra’s focus on security, alliances and regional stability.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the government will recommend Mr Moriarty to the Governor-General to succeed Kevin Rudd as Australia’s top envoy in Washington.
Announcing the decision, the Prime Minister said Mr Moriarty brings unmatched experience in defence, foreign policy and national security at a time when the Australia–US alliance is facing heightened global challenges.
“Greg Moriarty is uniquely qualified to advance Australia’s interests in the United States,” Mr Albanese said. “His career spans decades of senior leadership across defence, diplomacy and national security.”
Mr Moriarty has served as Secretary of the Department of Defence since 2017, overseeing a period of major expansion in Australia’s defence capabilities and spending. During his tenure, the Defence budget increased to historic levels as Australia sought to respond to growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
He has also played a central role in deepening cooperation with Washington and London through the AUKUS partnership, which includes the development of Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine fleet and expanded defence technology sharing.
Before leading Defence, Mr Moriarty held a series of senior diplomatic and policy roles. He served as Australia’s ambassador to Indonesia between 2010 and 2014, and earlier as ambassador to Iran from 2005 to 2008. He also worked at the highest levels of government as an international and national security adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office, later becoming chief of staff to former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
In 2015, Mr Moriarty was appointed Australia’s inaugural Counter-Terrorism Coordinator within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, a role created in response to rising global and domestic security threats.
He replaces Kevin Rudd, who stepped down from the ambassadorial post earlier than expected. Mr Rudd’s tenure was at times strained by tensions with the current US administration, including a widely publicised exchange with former president Donald Trump, who openly criticised Mr Rudd following the resurfacing of past remarks critical of him.
Despite his departure from the diplomatic role, Mr Rudd will remain in the United States, where he is set to assume leadership of the Asia Society, a prominent think tank focused on relations between Asia and the West.
The appointment of Mr Moriarty is expected to be welcomed in Washington, particularly within defence and security circles, given his long-standing relationships with US counterparts and deep familiarity with alliance management.
