Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is returning to his former role of president of the New York-based Asia Society think tank.
And Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to the now outgoing Ambassador to the US.
Rudd will leave his Washington DC-based role on March 31 to take up the role that he held from 2021-23.
“Dr Rudd is one of the world’s most eminent and sought-after experts on China and US–China relations,” Albanese told journalists at a press conference in Canberra.
“He delivered concrete outcomes for Australia, during Democrat and Republican administrations, in collaboration with our closest security ally and principal strategic partner.”
‘UP TO RUDD’
Albanese says Rudd is leaving a year early but insists it was his call to go.
“It was entirely Kevin Rudd’s decision,” he says.
“He’s moving on to a role that he believes is pivotal.”
Rudd replaces Kyung-wha Kang at the Society and will lead the think tank’s Centre for China Analysis, which he set up in 2022.
Albanese also highlighted Rudd’s achievement as ambassador such as:
- landing bipartisan US support for the AUKUS defence deal.
- securing a critical minerals deal with the US.
- securing agreement on talks for a bilateral critical technology agreement to unlock American investment in Australian data centres, AI and Quantum projects.
- turbocharging American engagement with Australia’s superannuation industry and strengthening Sydney’s status as the next financial services centre of the Indo-Pacific.
- helping 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.
Rudd says he is “honoured” to be chosen for the role.
“Asia Society is respected as one of the smartest, leading-edge and distinguished institutions in the global think tank, artistic, and cultural diplomacy communities and I have been fortunate to have already played a part in its success,” he says.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Rudd’s knowledge of China will be in demand.
“As someone who engages not only with the US but with partners across the globe, Kevin’s expertise when it comes to China is sought after internationally by leaders far and wide,” she says.
“I have no doubt he will continue in this new role to contribute to a better understanding of our region, the Indo-Pacific, at this critical time.”
REACTIONS TO RUDD’S DECISION
Co-chairs of the Society, John Thornton and Chan Heng Chee welcomed the news.
“We are thrilled that Kevin has accepted the board’s invitation to lead Asia Society at such a critical moment for the institution, the Asia-Pacific and the world.
“He is a true statesman and a visionary leader with peerless experience,” they said.
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) chief executive officer Andrew McKellar says Rudd headed a ‘Team Australia’ effort in Washington DC to protect Australian trade interests from US tariffs.
“Australia could not have had a more hardworking ambassador in its corner than Kevin Rudd,” McKellar says.
“We thank him for his tireless work in representing Australia’s interests during a challenging time for the global trading system.”
In a statement, the Business Council of Australia says Rudd played a critical role in strengthening Australia’s economic and strategic partnership with the US.
“His efforts were instrumental in securing key outcomes for Australia, including comparatively low tariff rates, progress on critical minerals co-operation and the new US Administration’s endorsement of AUKUS,” the council says.
“These achievements have delivered tangible benefits for Australian businesses and enhanced Australia’s long-term economic and national security.”
ABOUT THE ASIA SOCIETY
The Asia Society is a leading nonpartisan, non-profit global think-tank; it analyses Asia-Pacific developments.
It has offices and cultural centres at 16 locations worldwide: New York, Hong Kong, Houston, Delhi, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, Paris, San Francisco, Seattle, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, Washington DC and Zurich.
