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

Career public servant and former chief of staff to Malcolm Turnbull to represent Australia’s interests with Trump administration from April, including progression of Aukus agreementFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe head of the department of defence, Greg Moriarty, will succeed Kevin Rudd as Australia’s ambassador to the United States.The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, announced Moriarty’s appointment to the role on Sunday. A former chief of staff to Malcolm Turnbull and former Australian envoy to Iran and Indonesia, he has led the defence department since 2017. He will take up the posting in Washington from April. Continue reading...