Siobhan McKenna appointed Australian consul-general in New York

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Siobhan McKenna as the next Australian consul-general in New York. McKenna, a former top lieutenant to Lachlan Murdoch, will succeed Heather Ridout, whose term concludes in December.

McKenna’s background includes significant experience across corporate Australia and various government boards. She was previously identified in US court documents as a key figure in efforts to restructure the Murdoch family trust to consolidate control of News Corp and Fox Corporation under Lachlan Murdoch.

Albanese defended the appointment as a merit-based decision, highlighting McKenna’s professional experience in both the public and private sectors. The announcement coincided with the launch of Australia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.