APPOINTMENT AS MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

I am deeply honoured to have been re-appointed today as Minister for Foreign Affairs and to have also been appointed as Minister for Women.

Our agenda internationally will continue to be one which supports a safe and prosperous region, building economic opportunity and resilience.  The continued strengthening of our alliances and strategic partnerships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, will remain a critical priority.

 

The safety and security of Australians, and protection of Australians from threats including terrorism, cyber threats and health pandemics, the promotion of a robust international rules-based order to support global peace and prosperity and the delivery of sustainable and targeted overseas development assistance will also continue to be guiding principles of our approach. 

 

I look forward to early engagements with my counterparts at upcoming meetings, including the Pacific Islands Forum, AUKMIN, AUSMIN and ASEAN-related meetings.

In my new capacity as Minister for Women I look forward to building on the excellent work of my friend and colleague Kelly O’Dwyer. Securing economic opportunities for women, focussing on their safety and achieving genuine gender equality are just some of the areas on which I will direct my attention.

 

The intersection of my two portfolios also presents extraordinary opportunities to make gains for women and girls both at home and abroad.  I look forward to embracing these over the coming term.