Former Tasmanian politician Michelle O’Byrne is Australia’s next Ambassador for Gender Equality.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the ALP State and Federal Member of Parliament for more than 25 years since 1998, would replace Stephanie Copus Campbell, who has held the position since 2023.
Senator Wong said Ms O’Byrne had worked throughout her life to advance women’s rights and gender equality.
She said as a politician her ministerial portfolios had spanned women and the prevention of family violence, education, workplace relations, emergency services, communities and economic development.
“Her advocacy has led to the decriminalisation of abortion in Tasmania, the establishment of safe access zones around abortion clinics and reforms to address family violence.
“She will be a powerful voice for gender equality in our region and around the world.”
Senator Wong said the Ambassador would help drive Australia’s efforts to end gender-based violence, promote economic equality and inclusive trade, support women’s participation in climate and humanitarian action, and champion women’s leadership across the Indo-Pacific.
“Gender equality is as a stronger predictor of peace than a nation’s wealth or political system and we know that peace agreements are more likely to last when women can participate in them.
“That’s why advancing gender equality is critical to Australia’s work to promote peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
