Canberra, Dec 8 (IANS): Former Australian treasurer Joe Hockey has been confirmed as the next ambassador to the US, it was announced here on Tuesday.

"Today I announce the appointment of Joseph Hockey as Australia's next Ambassador to the US," Xinhua quoted Foreign Minister Julie Bishop as saying.

Set to take over from the outgoing Kim Beazley in January, the decision was made after weeks of speculation that Hockey would be given the job, Bishop said.

"Our alliance with the US is the bedrock of foreign and defence policy and we are working closely together on shared regional and global security, strategic and economic interests," she said.

Bishop said Hockey's background in government, and experience in the fields of law and banking make him perfect fit for the dynamic role with one of Australia's closest trading partners.

Hockey, 50, announced his retirement from politics following his removal from the treasurer's position when Malcolm Turnbull ousted former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.