Kevin Rudd has formally concluded his tenure as Australia’s ambassador to the US, posting what is understood to be a farewell message on social media months after announcing he would step down from the high-profile diplomatic role.
In the video, simply captioned “Thank you”, Dr Rudd reflected on what he described as the privilege of serving Australia, saying it had been an honour to represent the nation and its people while working to strengthen national security, prosperity and resilience.
He also spoke of the importance of Australia’s relationship with the US, describing it as a privilege to work closely with America in advancing shared strategic interests.
He concluded the video by saying: “Goodbye. Good luck. God speed. Advance Australia.”
Dr Rudd first confirmed in January that he would conclude his posting in Washington at the end of March 2026, bringing to a close a period described by the Government as one of the most complex chapters in the Australia–US relationship in recent years.
“Doctor Kevin Rudd AC will conclude his posting as Australia’s ambassador to the United States at the end of March 2026,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the time.
“On behalf of our nation, we thank Kevin for his service to Australia and for taking forward Australia’s interests with our closest security ally.”
Mr Albanese said Dr Rudd’s tenure had spanned a period of political transition in the US, requiring diplomatic engagement across party lines.
“It has been a complex area that has seen a change of presidency.” he said.
“Kevin Rudd developed relationships across the board, across Congress, across Senate, across Democrat and Republican members, and of course, across officials.”
Dr Rudd has accepted the role of global president of leading international relations think tank the Asia Society, returning to an organisation he led between 2021 and 2023.
He will also head the Society’s Centre for China Analysis.
“During both the Democrat and Republican administrations, Kevin has worked in collaboration with our closest security ally and principle security partner to achieve concrete outcomes,” Mr Albanese said.
“As Prime Minister, I have visited the United States on no less than seven occasions.
“That’s because of the productive work that Kevin Rudd has done, across the board, including particularly advancing the economic relationships between two nations but also of course ensuring that AUKUS is able to proceed in a way that benefits Australia, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom, and indeed across the board.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Dr Rudd had been “an excellent ambassador”.
“We thank him for his tireless contribution to Australia’s national interests over the last three years,” Senator Wong said.
Senator Wong credited Dr Rudd with helping secure the Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework Agreement with the United States, which is now being implemented across multiple mining and processing projects.
“Kevin’s helped with billions of dollars of investment and collaboration, including AI, data quantum in sectors that will strengthen the Australian economy and our security for decades to come,” she said.
“He’s put Australia’s superannuation industry on the map, with the United States turbocharging US engagement investment credentials as a financial services centre of the Indo-Pacific.”
Mr Albanese and Senator Wong also acknowledged Dr Rudd’s role in securing the return of Julian Assange to Australia in 2024.
Department of Defence secretary Greg Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia’s Ambassador to the US.
In a joint statement with Senator Wong, Mr Albanese said Mr Moriarty had “unsurpassed credentials across Australia’s international policy from his senior roles in the Australian public service including Secretary of the Department of Defence since 2017”.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails