from defence review to commissioner in London

Former defence and foreign affairs minister — and Anthony Albanese ally — Stephen Smith has been appointed to be Australia’s next High Commissioner to the UK — a plum posting traditionally reserved for political friends of the government.

Smith will take up his posting early next year after completing the Defence Strategic Review — a role for which he was hand-picked by Albanese. 

Smith’s appointment follows a fine tradition which saw the former Coalition government appoint former attorney-general George Brandis to the London role. Other former high commissioners include Howard government ministers Richard Alston and Alexander Downer.