Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has declared that his team is "ready" to deal with the incoming Trump administration, telling a conference in Sydney he's been working hard to prepare for the president-elect's return to the White House.

Mr Rudd's remarks to a United States Studies Centre's forum are his first substantial public remarks since the controversy over his previous criticisms of Mr Trump erupted once again in the wake of the US election.

The ambassador didn't mention that episode during his address, but told the Sydney International Strategy Forum that the embassy team had been "digesting" the election outcome and "what it may mean for Australia".

"Here at the embassy we've been working hard through the course of the last year to ensure that we were well prepared for this moment. And the bottom line is, we're ready," he said.

"The team here at the embassy and the government of Australia are ready to work closely with the new Trump administration to continue to realise the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership."

Mr Rudd also spruiked the economic and industrial benefits of AUKUS, in a clear pitch to the incoming administration and Mr Trump.

While the government is cautiously optimistic the defence arrangement will continue under Mr Trump, the president-elect has repeatedly complained about American allies free-riding on the United States, and is expected to take a far more transactional approach to defence pacts.

Mr Rudd pointed to Australia's commitment of almost $4 billion for the production of Virginia class submarines in the US under AUKUS, and emphasised the American defence companies would benefit from Australia's plans to develop its own nuclear powered submarines.

"This will represent large-scale purchases from American industry. That's a significant defence deal," he said.

"And on top of that, we're already investing into the US submarine industrial base to expand the capacity of their shipyards. Put these things together and it represents a strong, positive message for America."

He also said that the arrangement would allow the US, the UK and Australia to expand their military capabilities more quickly through fostering technological cooperation and opening new military production lines.

"The fundamental value of AUKUS for all three partners is that it makes all three countries stronger than we would have been without it," he said.

"It strengthens all three countries' ability to deter threats, and it grows the Defense Industrial Base and creates jobs in all three countries."

Some analysts are also anxious that Mr Trump's declared plan to introduce sweeping tariffs and his scepticism towards alliances will fundamentally undermine America's position in Asia.

Mr Rudd didn't offer any close analysis of the new administration's strategy in the region, but stressed the importance of the US maintaining "engagement" with other countries.

"American leadership remains indispensable. It is the great builder of alliances and networks, essential for balance," he said.

"In a multipolar region, the Indo-Pacific would not have enjoyed long periods of stability and prosperity without the United States and its security guarantee to the region.

"America's network of alliances is an unrivalled network with vast reach, and each of these alliances and partnerships is a force multiplier."