Key facts
- David Brat, a former Virginia congressman, has been confirmed by the US Senate as the next US ambassador to Australia.
- The ambassadorial role had been vacant for 18 months.
- Brat was nominated by Donald Trump in April.
- Brat previously served two terms in Congress until 2018 and was vice-president of business relations at Liberty University.
- The confirmation occurs amid tense US-Australia relations, including recent US tariffs on Australian exports.
- Brat's arrival will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Anzus treaty and follows Australia's decision to acquire nuclear submarines under the Aukus deal.
David Brat, a former Virginia congressman, has been confirmed by the US Senate to serve as the next US ambassador to Australia. The position had been vacant for 18 months. Brat's nomination, put forward by Donald Trump in April, was among numerous votes advanced by Republicans before the Senate's summer recess.
Brat, 61, previously served two terms in Congress until 2018 and held a position at Liberty University. His confirmation comes at a time of strained US-Australia relations, marked by recent US tariffs on Australian exports. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell had previously called for the removal of these tariffs, stating they contradicted the free-trade agreement between the two nations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had indicated in April that Australia would work with any ambassadorial nominee from Trump. Brat's arrival in Australia is set to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Anzus treaty. This development also follows Australia's recent decision to acquire three second-hand American nuclear submarines as part of the Aukus deal, a move that has generated some internal discussion within the Australian government.