Robert Hill ended months of speculation by resigning on Friday as Australia?s defence minister, paving the way for an extensive cabinet reshuffle by prime minister John Howard.

Mr Hill, the government?s leader in the Senate, or upper house, will also quit federal politics. The 59-year-old, who played a key role in overseeing the country?s troop deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and across the Pacific region, is expected to be appointed Australia?s next ambassador to the United Nations in New York.