Welcoming ambassador Kennedy

Joe Biden’s nomination of Caroline Kennedy, 64, the daughter of former president John F. Kennedy, as the US ambassador to Australia pending Senate confirmation is indicative of the “esteem and affection which Australia enjoys in the US”, according to former Australian ambassador to the US Michael Thawley.

Ms Kennedy’s service as US ambassador to Japan under Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017 was an ideal preparation for her new role. Her familiarity with the Asia-Pacific region’s security challenges will be vital as Australia, the US and Britain develop the AUKUS pact, and as the US and Australia work with Japan and India in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.

Ms Kennedy’s close access to Mr Obama was an asset in Japan. Her ties to Mr Biden should be an advantage in Australia.

In Japan, Ms Kennedy was an energetic diplomat, building strong relationships with the centre-right government of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, the Japanese business community and the public, including supporting women’s groups lobbying for equal rights.

Ms Kennedy’s statement and her record in Japan suggest she will be no shrinking violet in Canberra: “I look forward to collaborating with the government of Australia to strengthen our alliance, improve global health and increase vaccine access during this terrible pandemic, and to address the urgent climate crisis.”

As West Australian Governor and former Australian ambassador to the US Kim Beazley said, Ms Kennedy “is a woman who gets noticed, and we want that in an American ambassador to Australia”.