USSC's Bruce Wolpe tells ABC's The World Today that the arrival of new US ambassador Caroline Kennedy is being marked as another milestone in the partnership between Australia and America. The daughter of former President John F Kennedy touched down in Sydney at a time when the countries look to contest China's influence in the Pacific.
"She (Kennedy) believes in public service and she believes in the highest ideals shared by both countries such as vigorous democracies, domestic policy, racial equity, international relations, and the alliance in the future. She is well primed to serve with excellence in the future," Mr Wolpe said.
"(Regarding the China threat) Ambassador Kennedy wants to contribute to a strategy that avoids conflict but promotes security. That will obviously be her top agenda item."