Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on January 12 that Rudd will depart at the end of March 2026 to return as president and CEO of the Asia Society, focusing on US-China relations from New York and Washington.
During his tenure since March 2023, he helped gain bipartisan US support for AUKUS, a $25 billion AI and quantum tech investment framework, and Julian Assange’s 2024 return to Australia, while improving visa processing and ties across US parties.
The early exit, amid past public friction with President Trump, drew praise from supporters for his dedication but criticism from opponents questioning his fit, as Australia prepares to name a successor amid key alliance priorities.