Ley Reveals Her Captain’s Pick For US Ambassador Is Former Liberal Leader Billy Snedden

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

In a move to restore “dignity and credibility” to Australia’s diplomatic corps, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has revealed her personal choice to replace Kevin Rudd as ambassador to the United States.

Her pick is former Liberal leader Billy Snedden, a man she described as the right mix of gravitas, charisma and traditional Liberal values.

“Billy has the temperament and life experience to handle Donald Trump,” Ley told reporters.

“He understands leadership, loyalty and the importance of smiling politely while the President says whatever he wants. Plus they also share many interests.”

Party sources say Ley floated Snedden’s name during a late-night strategy session, arguing that the Liberals need someone who reminds Americans what the good old days of diplomacy looked like.

Staff in the room reportedly nodded along, unsure if she was joking.

One aide confirmed that Ley sees Snedden as a “steady hand” compared to what she calls the “charisma vacuums” of recent Coalition representatives.

“We’ve tried Brendan Nelson, we’ve tried Arthur Sinodinos. At this point, we might as well send someone who actually has personality,” the aide said.

Asked if Peter Dutton had been considered, Ley said the Opposition Leader was too valuable doing whatever he does now.

When asked about Scott Morrison, she said the former Prime Minister would be “a complicated fit” due to his faith and Trump’s “extensive civil court record.”

“It’s important that our ambassador can engage with the full range of American values,” she said.

“And that includes knowing when to look the other way.”

Political analysts say Ley’s announcement is part of a broader effort to reposition the Coalition as “in touch with ordinary Australians.”

However, the move has raised eyebrows inside her own party, with some MPs admitting privately that they “had to Google whether Billy was still doing media.”

Government sources declined to comment on the Opposition’s pick but said it reflects a “deep and historic respect for Australian institutions that haven’t existed for forty years.”

For now, Ley remains confident her choice will resonate with voters.

“Billy represents the best of us,” she said.

“He’s polished, loyal and he’s not Kevin Rudd. What more do you need in an ambassador?”

More to come.