Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan said Saturday the appointment of the U.S. ambassador to Australia is "significant".

Swan told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday that "we have a long and enduring relationship with the United States" and "this is a very significant appointment," according to Australian Associated Press report.

"It is welcomed that someone close to the president has been appointed to the role."

Jeff Bleich, top Californian lawyer and long-time friend of U.S. President Barack Obama, has been nominated to fill the role that has been vacant since January.

"Mr Bleich has a strong background in law, foreign policy and support for social justice and, if his nomination is confirmed, the government would look forward to working closely with him," Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in a statement.

Australia's relationship with the United States is the nation's "most important bilateral relationship", he said, "the relationship is deep, warm and mutually productive."

Bleich, 48, a friend of Obama for about 20 years and a graduate from Harvard University, is known for his work with charity and community organizations.

The post in Canberra has been vacant since January, after the departure of Robert McCallum, who was appointed by former U.S. President George W Bush.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2009)