Kevin Rudd will step down as Australia's ambassador to the United States at the end of March, a year earlier than scheduled, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Jan. 13, thanking the former Labor prime minister for his service.
Albanese said Rudd had played a key role in advancing Australia's interests with its closest security ally, citing his work on strengthening economic ties with the US and progressing the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership.
Rudd will take up a new role as global president of international relations at the Asia Society.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Rudd had been instrumental in securing agreements on critical minerals and artificial intelligence datacentres, helping to bolster Australia’s economy and long-term security.
She praised his "extraordinary level of energy and discipline" and said his experience and determination had strengthened Australia’s standing in Washington.
Albanese said the decision to step down was entirely Rudd's, noting he would leave after three years in the post despite originally being expected to serve longer.