Overview
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will recommend Moriarty’s appointment to the Governor-General, with Kevin Rudd to conclude his posting on March 31.
- The Trump administration was consulted on the selection, according to Albanese.
- Moriarty brings extensive defence and diplomatic experience, including service as Defence Secretary since 2017 and previous ambassadorships to Indonesia and Iran.
- Canberra frames the choice around AUKUS implementation and closer security and industrial cooperation with the United States.
- The appointment ends a run of political appointees to Washington and creates a leadership vacancy at the Department of Defence.