US Studies Centre head Geoffrey Garrett has congratulated member of the Centre’s Board of Directors and former NSW Premier Bob Carr on his appointment as Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Professor Garrett said Mr Carr has made invaluable contributions to the Centre and his deep knowledge of American history, politics and foreign policy will be a great asset in his new role.

“There are scant few Australians who know as much about the US as Bob Carr and even fewer as well credentialed to lead the country’s foreign policy”, Garrett said.

“The Centre is justly proud that Australia’s top diplomat and the head of Bob’s department, Secretary of DFAT Dennis Richardson, also serves on our Board of Directors.”

Mr. Carr's appointment to fill a NSW Senate vacancy and to become Foreign Minister was announced by the Prime Minister Julia Gillard on 2 March.