Richard Armitage AC stood as a towering figure in American diplomacy and international relations, whose impact on the world stage was matched only by his unwavering commitment to democratic principles, including the enduring alliance between the US and Australia.
As Deputy Secretary of State under Colin Powell, Armitage brought his characteristic blend of straight-talking honesty, strategic insight, and deep personal integrity to the highest levels of American foreign policy. His military background and extensive experience in national security measures made him an invaluable presence during challenging times in global affairs.
Rich Armitage’s contributions to the Australian-American relationship were particularly significant. As a long-standing delegate of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD), Rich worked to strengthen the bonds between our two nations. He understood that this partnership represented more than just strategic alignment — it embodied shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Rich Armitage’s legacy lives on in the democratic institutions he served and strengthened, in the alliances he helped forge and maintain, and in the many individuals he mentored and inspired throughout his distinguished career.
In both Washington and Canberra, Rich’s presence will be deeply missed, but his influence on the alliance between the US and Australia will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Hon Kim Beazley AC, former Defence Minister, and Australian Ambassador to the US, wrote the following note about Rich’s passing:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rich. In my time as Defence minister and later as Ambassador, Australia had no better friend in the US than Rich. He was a noted presence when we were renegotiating the ANZUS meeting arrangements at AUSMIN. Once again when I was Ambassador, presenting him an AC arranged in the time of my predecessor Dennis Richardson. It was a red-letter day at the residence, with a crowd that included Colin Powell, who was Secretary of State when Rich was Deputy. I met him many times on deep discussions about our mutual security interests. He remained influential to the end. We need his wisdom now.”
Richard Armitage at the 2001 AALD Forum in Sydney
(L-R) Bill Burns, Colin Powell, Richard Armitage AC, Dennis Richardson AC, Hon Kim Beazley AC, Kurt Campbell and Phil Scanlan AM at Rich’s Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) presentation.
(L-R) Bob Zoellick, Nick Greiner AC, Phil Scanlan AM, and Richard Armitage at the 2002 AALD Forum in Washington DC.
Richard Armitage and Julie Singer Scanlan AO at the 2002 AALD Forum in Washington DC.
