David Brat’s hearing was a goofy affair and an insight into AUKUS

America’s incoming ambassador to Australia is a “man of faith”, a “tennis fanatic”, an economic expert and an AUKUS supporter who, if confirmed, would focus on critical minerals and containing China. These are some of the facts we learned from David Brat’s US Senate confirmation hearing, which took place overnight Australian time.

The US ambassador’s office to Australia has long sat vacant during both of Donald Trump’s presidencies; Washington instead relies on senior diplomats known as “chargé d’affaires” (a position currently held by Trump). Erika Olson).