"Former Labor ministers, the defence department boss and a career diplomat are among the names being touted by government figures to replace Kevin Rudd as Australia's ambassador in Washington. Rudd, the former prime minister and foreign minister, won praise for stabilising relations with the US president, Donald Trump, on Monday, after the surprise announcement he would depart a year early to return to the Asia Society thinktank."
"Labor sources have suggested former ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Stephen Conroy were among possible picks. Kevin Rudd will step down as ambassador to the US a year early Both served alongside Albanese in the Rudd and Gillard governments, while trade and tourism minister Don Farrell could emerge as a surprise pick for the sought-after posting in Washington. But Albanese is expected to consider senior public servants, government figures said, including defence department boss Greg Moriarty and career diplomat Justin Hayhurst as contenders."
"Before leading defence, Moriarty was chief of staff to Malcolm Turnbull and served as Australia's ambassador in Iran and Indonesia. He was appointed as defence secretary in 2017 and has detailed knowledge of the Aukus nuclear submarine agreement. Sign up: AU Breaking News email Defence analyst Jennifer Parker said Moriarty would be a strong choice for ambassador. Moving forward with our alliance with the US is key. There's probably no one who understands that more, and the initiatives under the alliance including Aukus, than Greg Moriarty."
Kevin Rudd will depart the ambassador role in Washington a year early to return to the Asia Society thinktank. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are expected to choose Rudd's successor. Potential candidates include former Labor ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Stephen Conroy, trade and tourism minister Don Farrell, defence secretary Greg Moriarty and career diplomat Justin Hayhurst. Greg Moriarty previously served as ambassador to Iran and Indonesia, was chief of staff to Malcolm Turnbull and has detailed knowledge of the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement. Justin Hayhurst recently finished as ambassador to Tokyo and has served in China and the Philippines.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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