Former Labor ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Stephen Conroy are among the names being considered to replace Kevin Rudd as Australia's ambassador to the United States, according to government sources. The decision will be made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Rudd, a former prime minister and foreign minister, announced he would leave the post a year early to return to the Asia Society thinktank. He was praised for stabilising relations with US President Donald Trump during his tenure.
Other potential candidates include defence department boss Greg Moriarty, career diplomat Justin Hayhurst, and Trade Minister Don Farrell. Moriarty, who has detailed knowledge of the Aukus nuclear submarine agreement, is seen as a strong choice by defence analyst Jennifer Parker.
Former Western Australian premier Mark McGowan may also be considered. Bruce Wolpe of the United States Studies Centre suggested a non-political appointee would be advantageous, citing former defence chief Dennis Richardson's successful tenure as ambassador from 2005 to 2009.
Wolpe warned that a former Labor politician could aggravate Trump's Maga base, especially if perceived as strongly pro-diversity or renewable energy. Wong said the new ambassador would be chosen based on the skills needed for the role, praising Rudd's three-year tenure.
