It is with deep appreciation for his tireless contribution to our national interests over the last three years in Washington that we today announce the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC will conclude his posting as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States at the end of March 2026.
Dr. Rudd has decided to accept the role of global President of leading international relations think tank, the Asia Society, which has recently become vacant and which Dr. Rudd headed between 2021-2023. Dr. Rudd will also head the Society’s Centre for China Analysis.
Dr Rudd is one of the world’s most eminent and sought-after experts on China and US–China relations.
Dr Rudd has delivered concrete outcomes for Australia – during both Democrat and Republican Administrations – in collaboration with our closest security ally and principal strategic partner.
We thank Dr Rudd for his exceptional service as Ambassador and as a former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Australia.
Since Dr Rudd commenced in March 2023, he has led the Australian Embassy’s work to advance Australia’s interests in the United States, including by:
- Securing US Congressional authorising legislation for AUKUS, with full bipartisan support, as well as full presidential endorsement from both the Biden and Trump Administrations.
- Negotiating and concluding the Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework Agreement with the US, which is now being implemented across multiple mining and processing projects to the benefit of both countries – and forms the basis for US agreements with others partners, including the G7.
- Securing agreement to negotiate a bilateral critical technology agreement that will unlock billions of dollars in new US investment in Australian data centre, AI and Quantum projects – in addition to the $25 billion already secured in investment from Microsoft and Amazon Web Services during Dr. Rudd’s tenure.
- Turbocharging US engagement with Australia’s superannuation industry, including by convening the Australian Super Summit in Washington DC in 2025 and again in March 2026, elevating Australia’s capital pool and strengthening Sydney’s credentials as the next financial services centre of the Indo-Pacific.
- Working to secure Julian Assange’s return to Australia in 2024.
- Introducing Global Entry and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) services for all Australian travellers to the US as of 2024-25, significantly reducing processing and waiting times at US international and domestic airports for registered participants.
- Developing personal and working relationships across the Trump and Biden Administrations, Republican and Democrat congressional leadership, and key stakeholders in the defence, intelligence and corporate communities.
We also recognise the outstanding work of Ms Therese Rein. We thank Therese for her invaluable contribution to advancing Australia’s interests in the US.
Ambassador Rudd will conclude his posting on March 31, 2026. An announcement regarding Australia’s new Ambassador to the United States will take place in due course.