What happened
David Brat has officially started his term as the US Ambassador to Australia. He presented his credentials to Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Canberra and laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial as his first official act. Brat's priorities include strengthening the defense relationship, advancing the AUKUS pact, and expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
Brat, a former US Representative and dean of Liberty University's School of Business, hosted a reception for the finalists of the 2026 American Chamber of Commerce in Australia Alliance Awards. He emphasized the strong economic ties between the two nations and the importance of delivering on commercial deals.
However, one of the challenges Brat may face is trade, particularly with the US imposing a 12.5 percent tariff on Australian imports due to concerns about forced labor. Australia is one of 60 economies examined, and countries deemed to be doing enough to address the issue face a 10 percent rate.
