Siobhan McKenna, the current chair of Australia Post and a former senior News Corp executive, has been appointed Australia’s next Consul-General in New York.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment in New York, saying McKenna would bring financial and economic experience to the role, which is based in one of the world’s major financial centres. McKenna is expected to move to New York with her family after current Consul-General Heather Ridout finishes her term at the end of 2026.
McKenna’s News Corp background
McKenna spent about two decades at News Corp and was the company’s chief executive of broadcasting, overseeing operations including Foxtel and Sky News Australia. She left News Corp in 2025 after the company sold its controlling stake in Foxtel.
She has also held senior roles outside the media sector. McKenna is chair of Australia Post and previously chaired the National Broadband Network. Her wider career has included corporate board roles and service as a commissioner at the Australian Productivity Commission.
Questions over Murdoch links
The appointment has attracted attention because of McKenna’s long association with the Murdoch media organisation and Lachlan Murdoch.
US court proceedings concerning the Murdoch family trust detailed McKenna’s involvement in Project Family Harmony, a plan concerning control of the family’s media assets. A Nevada probate commissioner said the plan had its origins with McKenna and Lachlan Murdoch in 2023. The plan was ultimately unsuccessful.
During the announcement, a journalist asked Albanese whether he had sought assurances that McKenna would not continue to lobby or deal with Lachlan Murdoch in advancing business interests. Albanese responded that McKenna was a professional and said her experience across the private and public sectors was a positive factor in the appointment. He described the appointment as merit-based.
New York diplomatic role
Australia’s Consul-General in New York supports Australia’s interests in the United States, including economic and commercial engagement. The Australian Consulate-General is located in Midtown Manhattan.
McKenna is expected to take up the role in early 2027, following Ridout’s departure at the end of 2026.
Source: The Guardian
