Former treasurer Joe Hockey has been appointed as Australia’s next ambassador to the United States.
Hockey, who resigned from federal politics in October, is expected to take up the post in early 2016, replacing for Labor leader Kim Beazley, who has served as Australia’s US ambassador since 2010.
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop announced Hockey’s appointment to the diplomatic post this morning.
“Australia and the United States have deep and mutually beneficial ties fostered through 75 years of formal diplomatic relations,” Bishop said.
“Our alliance with the United States is the bedrock of foreign and defence policy and we are working closely together on shared regional and global security, strategic and economic interests.”
Hockey served as the Member for North Sydney for nearly 20 years and spent 17 years on the frontbench.
Hockey held ministerial posts across a range of portfolios, including almost three years as the minister for small business and tourism between 2001 and 2004.
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