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Australia’s Ambassador to the United States of America

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.

Appeal to locate woman missing from Metford

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s north.

Jade Wilson, aged 18, was last seen in Wakehurst Crescent, Metford, on Tuesday 16 December 2025.

When she failed to return home and couldn’t be located or contacted officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were contacted and commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police and family hold concerns for Jade’s welfare.

Jade is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, of medium build, with dark hair. She wears glasses.

She usually wears tights and a jumper.

Rider dies following fatal motorcycle crash – Yarrawa

A motorcycle rider has died after crashing in the states Hunter Region.

About 10.40am today (Sunday 11 January 2026), emergency services were called to Yarrawa Road, Yarrawa, about 34kms south west of Muswellbrook, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived to find a motorcycle had left the roadway and crashed into a pole.

The rider – a man believed to be aged in his 70s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries but died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Police have established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Appeal to locate woman missing from Tuncurry

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s north.
Selena Poulton, aged 37, was last seen on Margina Close, Tuncurry, about 10am on Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Officers attached to Barrier Police District were notified today (Sunday 11 January 2026) and officers attached to Manning Great Lakes Police District commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Family and police hold concerns for Selena’s welfare.
Selena is described as being of Aboriginal/Torre Strait Islander appearance, about 160cm – 165cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.
She was last seen wearing a grey jacket.
Selena is believed to frequent the Forster and Tuncurry areas.

Three men charged with affray, knife allegedly used – Hunter Valley PD

Three men have been charged after a brawl at a licenced venue in the Hunter region.

About 11.30pm (Saturday 10 January 2026), officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District responded to reports of a brawl at a licenced venue on Lings Road, Buttai.

Police were told three men – one of whom was allegedly armed with a knife – assaulted four other men.

The three men allegedly attempted to leave in a vehicle; however, were stopped by police.

All three were arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.

A 37-year-old man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, armed with intent commit indictable offence, choke person intend to commit indictable offence, affray, and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal).

He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 11 January 2026), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

A 33-year-old man was charged with three counts assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and common assault.

He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 11 January 2026), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

A 29-year old man was charged with common assault and affray.

He remains in hospital under police guard and will appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Monday 12 January 2026)

The four other men – two aged 52, 57 and 61 – were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.

Inquiries into the incident continue.

Joint statement on the situation in Iran

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union issued the following statement:

“We commend the bravery of the Iranian people as they stand up for their dignity and their fundamental right to peaceful protest.

“We strongly condemn the killing of protestors, the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people.

“Iran must immediately end the use of excessive and lethal force by its security forces including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij against protestors. Too many lives – over 40 to date – have already been lost.

“The Iranian regime has the responsibility to protect its own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.”

Greens: Palestinian writer’s cancellation from Adelaide Writers Festival

Acting Leader of the Australian Greens and Arts & Communications spokesperson Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young said:

Like a lot of South Australians today, I am deeply disturbed the Adelaide’s beloved Writers Festival has been ruined by this terrible decision.

The decision to drop Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah from Adelaide Writers Festival is deeply concerning and should be reversed.

Freedom of expression and the exchange of ideas are what makes writers festivals what they are.

Engaging in respectful, thoughtful debate and challenging ideas and opinions is the whole purpose of an event like this.

Censorship and shutting down diverse voices, including Palestinian voices is the antithesis of an open, free and respectful democracy.

South Australia has a proud history of our arts festivals and supporting artist freedom of expression. This craven decision will leave our state and our reputation as the festival state in tatters.

The Greens will continue to advocate for artists to do their work free of political interference and pressure.

As both a regular panelist and supporter of the AWW I am extremely disappointed and saddened that the Adelaide Festival board has made this decision. It is a bad decision and should be reversed.

City of Newcastle trainee lifeguards make a splash in coastal careers

City of Newcastle is supporting four local teens turn their surf lifesaving skills into real-world experience with an innovative trainee lifeguard program.

The six-week traineeship gives high school students the chance to work alongside professional lifeguards during the summer holidays, gaining hands-on experience patrolling Newcastle’s beaches and ocean baths.

Trainee school-aged lifeguards at Dixon Park Beach This year’s school-aged summer trainees on their first day of lifeguard training at Dixon Park Beach: Liam Doyle and Lexi Sutherland sitting in rough terrain vehicle (RTV), Bronte Bowker standing. Trainee Sid Burns (not pictured) is also part of this year’s intake.

Delivered in partnership with Hunter Surf Life Saving, the program has doubled in size since it was launched in 2021 as the first program of its kind in NSW.

City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director Creative & Community Services Lynn Duffy said the program plays a vital role in keeping Newcastle’s beaches safe while supporting young people with meaningful, career-ready work.

“Each year more than one million people visit Newcastle’s beaches, so it’s important that we continue to develop and grow our professional lifeguard team to help keep our community safe,” Ms Duffy said.

“Through real-world experience and guidance from professional lifeguards, our school-aged trainees get a structured introduction to lifeguarding, working weekday shifts during the busy summer holidays.

“Participants build confidence through a formal recruitment process, sharpen their surf lifesaving skills and gain on-the-job experience needed to pursue a career in lifeguarding.

“The initiative also strengthens collaboration across the sector including connections with Hunter Surf Life Saving and local clubs, while creating a local talent pipeline that supports beach safety now and into the future.”

Designed for school-aged students who are already members of one of the 12 local Surf Life Saving clubs, participants complete up to 24 hours of paid rostered shifts each week, with training that includes interview preparation and formal induction for those progressing into trainee lifeguard roles.

Since launching, the initiative has kick-started the careers of around 20 casual lifeguards, many continuing to patrol Newcastle’s six beaches and two ocean baths from Stockton to Merewether.

Former trainee and now City of Newcastle lifeguard Jack Johns, who grew up in Newcastle, said the traineeship helped turn his love of the ocean into a career.

“The trainee program gave me the confidence, skills and real-life experience I needed,” Mr Johns said.

“Starting out as a trainee and now working as a lifeguard on the beaches I grew up on has been incredible. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves the beach and wants a meaningful summer job with real career options.”

Newcastle Councillor Jenny Barrie, who is a passionate advocate for surf lifesaving and beach safety, said the tragic start to the 2026 summer season elsewhere along the NSW coast highlighted the importance of well-trained lifeguards.

“It’s been devastating to see drownings occur in other parts of the state this summer, and while none have occurred at patrolled beaches or here in Newcastle, it’s a stark reminder of why investing in the training of lifeguards is so very important,” Cr Barrie said.

“It’s critical when you’re out enjoying our beautiful beaches to follow the key water safety rules including to never swim alone and always swim between the red and yellow flags. If you’re unsure conditions are safe, ask a lifeguard for advice.”

Boy dies in drowning – Port Stephens

A boy has died after being pulled unconscious from a pool on the state’s mid north coast.

About 7:30pm (Friday 9 January 2026), emergency services were called to Bobs Farm following reports a four-year-old boy was unresponsive after being pulled from a pool.

Family members performed CPR until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and took over.

The boy was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.

Officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Victoria must do more to protect communities as bushfires escalate amidst worst fire conditions since Black Summer

The Victorian Greens have expressed deep concern as bushfires burn out of control in Victoria, with the State Control Centre warning of more extreme heat in the coming days and an escalating risk to lives and homes in areas facing catastrophic fire danger ratings.

An emergency bushfire near Longwood has forced evacuations, with homes and livestock feared lost after the fire rapidly expanded overnight under dangerous conditions.

The Greens said their thoughts were with everyone being asked to leave their homes today, as communities face an anxious and uncertain wait while extreme fire conditions continue.

The unfolding crisis underlines the urgent need for strong preparedness, properly resourced fire services, and serious action to reduce the severe climate risks presented by both the Victorian and federal Labor governments’ continued burning of coal and gas.

Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Dr Sarah Mansfield:

“Our thoughts are with everyone being asked to leave their homes today. It’s so scary for these communities who face an anxious and uncertain wait while extreme fire conditions continue. We know that for many of these communities, the devastation of the Black Summer bushfires remains front of mind.

“We’re deeply grateful to the career and volunteer firefighters risking their lives in brutal conditions to protect people and homes, but they deserve more than our thanks and must be properly resourced to do their jobs safely.”

“Victoria needs stronger preparedness, properly resourced fire services, and real action on climate change to keep communities safe. Labor has made clear choices that have put Victoria at risk – cutting bushfire capacity and approving at least five major fossil fuel gas projects in the past nine months that pour fuel on the climate crisis driving these dangerous conditions.”

“Victoria is facing the most dangerous fire conditions since Black Summer, a stark reminder that our summers are becoming more intense and unpredictable and that we must do more to prepare and protect communities.”