But he said Smith would need to carefully avoid any conflict of interest on matters relating to the AUKUS pact while he completes the defence review.
Birmingham said it was “disappointing to see the curtailing of effective and respected appointments occur under the guise of reducing political appointments”, saying it was “unneccessary” for Sinodinos to be brought home as soon as his term expires.
The Abbott government twice extended former Labor leader Kim Beazley’s posting as US ambassador.
Revealing a slate of diplomatic announcements on Friday, Wong said the appointments would “strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and match people with the right qualifications and expertise to senior postings”.
Former NSW Liberal premier Barry O’Farrell and ex-Liberal cabinet minister Mitch Fifield will be succeeded by experienced public servants when their respective terms as high commissioner to India and Australia’s representative to the United Nations end next year.
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Former Liberal premier of Tasmania Will Hodgman, currently serving as high commissioner to Singapore, will also be replaced by an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs when his term ends.
Wong said Smith’s appointment reflected the “eminence of Australia’s relationship with the United Kingdom” given the many senior roles he held over his political career.
“I want to make clear our government is reversing the previous government’s approach and we are rebalancing appointments towards more qualified senior officials consistent with community expectations and position requirements,” she said.
“In circumstances, there is also a clear advantage for Australia to be represented by people who
have had distinguished careers beyond the public service such as business people and former parliamentarians.”
