The Murdoch Connection in Canberra: A Test for Australia’s Independence

The appointment of Siobhan McKenna as Australia’s consul-general in New York has raised eyebrows, particularly given her background in corporate Australia and close ties to Lachlan Murdoch. As a former top lieutenant to the News Corp scion, McKenna’s role at the heart of Australian diplomacy will be scrutinized for its implications on the country’s foreign policy and media landscape.

McKenna’s ascension to this plum diplomatic posting is part of a broader pattern of cozy relationships between Canberra and corporate Australia. The prime minister’s defense of her appointment as “merit-based” rings hollow, given McKenna’s extensive experience in the Murdoch empire. Her appointment signals the government’s willingness to accommodate powerful interests.

The timing is significant, coinciding with Australia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations’ security council. McKenna’s close ties to Lachlan Murdoch will undoubtedly raise questions about the country’s independence and ability to navigate complex international relationships. The fact that she has been named in US court documents as the “driving force” behind plans to reshape Rupert Murdoch’s family trust only adds to the controversy.

McKenna’s background is marked by her extensive experience within the Murdoch empire, where she oversaw Foxtel and Sky News Australia as head of broadcasting at News Corp. Her departure followed a bitter succession battle over control of Rupert Murdoch’s global media empire – a testament to her influence within the company.

As consul-general in New York, McKenna will be at the forefront of Australian diplomacy, championing local trade and investment while driving bilateral engagement with regional government and business leaders. However, her close ties to Lachlan Murdoch raise questions about whether she will use this platform to promote Australian interests or further advance the Murdoch empire’s agenda.

The fact that McKenna will be based in one of the world’s most influential cities, with an entertainment budget and an official residence at One Beekman, raises concerns about her potential influence over policy-making. As Australia bids for a seat on the United Nations’ security council, we need to be cautious about the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from her appointment.

The appointment of Siobhan McKenna as consul-general in New York is a test for Australia’s independence and ability to navigate complex international relationships. It highlights the entanglement of Australian politics and corporate power, raising concerns about the influence wielded by powerful corporations and their allies in Canberra.

This appointment will be closely watched for its implications on Australia’s foreign policy and media landscape – and whether Canberra can maintain its independence in the face of corporate influence. The stakes are high, and the scrutiny will be intense. Will Australia emerge from this chapter with its integrity intact, or will the Murdoch connection continue to shape our country’s foreign policy? Only time will tell.