Federal Government officials lobby to extend Arthur Sinodinos’ US posting

·

Arthur Sinodinos AO is set to complete his term as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States next February, however, senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are pushing for him to remain in the role until at least mid-2023.

The push comes as Australia enters a crucial phase of negotiations to secure nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS).

The government is set to announce which type of nuclear-powered submarine it will acquire in March 2023, with speculation mounting that Australia could strike a deal directly with the US.

Sinodinos’ role, which he has held since arriving in Washington in 2020, has been described as crucial in effecting the deal.

“Sinodinos is respected by both sides of politics despite being one of the Liberal Party’s most influential figures over recent decades,” wrote The Sydney Morning Herald’s Matthew Knott.

The Greek Australian previously served as John Howard’s chief-of-staff for a decade before becoming Malcolm Turnbull’s cabinet secretary in 2015.

With the expectant Republican takeover in the US House of Representatives in January, DFAT officials have advocated for Sinodinos’ extension as a matter of stability at the Australian embassy in Washington.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, possible contenders to succeed him include Foreign Minister Penny Wong, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former Defence Minister Stephen Conroy.

READ MORE: Arthur Sinodinos: Don’t underestimate the value of Australian innovation in the US

SOURCE: Sydney Morning Herald

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Heartbreak as Greek duo Anne and Maree eliminated from My Kitchen Rules

My Kitchen Rules viewers were left emotional on Monday night as Greek Australian mother-and-daughter duo Anne and Maree were eliminated.

Antetokounmpo trio make NBA history as Alex joins brothers at the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed Alex Antetokounmpo, uniting him with brothers Giannis and Thanasis to make NBA history.

Mitsotakis hails ‘historic day’ as he joins Trump at Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis briefly met with US President Donald Trump ahead of the global summit on Gaza’s future

‘A Holy Land at peace’: Trump declares end to two-year Gaza war

Hamas has released the final surviving Israeli hostages from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal, while Israel freed Palestinian detainees.

Philanthropy and fellowship shine at Hellenic Medical Society Gala Ball in Melbourne

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA), in collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), hosted its annual Gala Ball on Saturday, October...

You May Also Like

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney holds Annual General Meeting

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the St Basil’s Conference Room in Randwick on Saturday, April 1.

Greece files lawsuit over Adidas ad featuring Acropolis

Greece is pursuing legal action after a controversial Adidas advertising campaign featured a drone light show over the Acropolis.

Greek Australians among NSW’s top real estate agents under 30

A new wave of young real estate moguls have emerged in Sydney's competitive property market, harnessing AI and other new technologies.