Overview
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment on November 10, calling Weatherill an entirely appropriate choice.
- Weatherill will assume the role when Stephen Smith finishes in January next year, following a planned handover.
- Albanese highlighted Weatherill’s defence credentials, noting his leadership in South Australia’s defence industry and submarine construction.
- The government framed the posting around advancing AUKUS priorities, including the SSN‑AUKUS program to be built in Adelaide on a British design with first boats expected in the early 2040s.
- Albanese thanked Smith for his service, citing his leadership in Australia’s work with the Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine.