Funny and formidable is the way I would describe Australia’s foreign minister after seeing Julie Bishop up close this week. Watching her engage in a frank conversation with The Australian Financial Review journalist Jennifer Hewitt, in a private setting at Bishop’s alumni law firm Clayton Utz, for over an hour was illuminating. She’s as articulate, persuasive and intelligent a politician I’ve watched.
Here are three things I learned about Julie Bishop.
- She’s seriously driven.
In 1994 Julie Bishop became the first female managing partner at Clayton Utz, heading up the law firm’s Perth office. In 1998 she won pre-selection for the Liberal Party for the seat of Curtin, and went on to win the seat at the federal election that year. In doing so she unseated the sitting member Allan Rocher who had held the seat since 1981. The fact she achieved this, despite the fact he had the full support of the then-Prime Minister John Howard, is a testament to her tenacity. (Though she did say that some naivety in 1998 helped: had she known at the time Howard was supporting Rocher she might not have run.)
Listening to Bishop speak about her career, in law and in politics, it’s not difficult to ascertain why she’s accomplished what she has. Her determination and drive are intense and it’s clear throughout her career she’s set herself ambitious targets and hasn’t wavered in her commitment to reach them.
- She’s seriously funny.
Her sense of humour is not stiff and contrived in the way that occasionally afflicts politicians. It’s genuine and impossible to ignore; she’s got a quick wit, great timing and knows how to tell a story.
One story she shared that has been reported is worth repeating. Bishop had a security briefing scheduled for 3am Ukraine time with the heads of defence, police, the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Australia. Given the time and because she thought it was a teleconference she turned up to the communications room in her pyjamas. Unfortunately a video link had been set up and it was already on so there was nothing she could do. Whilst she was in her pyjamas her counterparts on the other side were all in full uniform. Scott Morrison apparently broke the silence with “Are you going casual today Julie?” She replied “Prime Minister if it looks like I am wearing pyjamas, it’s because I am so let’s just leave it at that.”
- She’s seriously diplomatic.
There have been very few dull days in the 11 months since Julie Bishop became Australia’s foreign minister. Since September last year she has contended with allegations of Australia spying on Indonesia’s president and his wife, the disappearance of MH370, escalating tensions throughout the Middle East, being publically rebuked by China’s foreign minister and of course, most recently, the tragic case of MH17 being shot down over Ukraine.
To say her explanations for the nuances of these situations were impressive is an understatement. In each instance she was able to very clearly articulate the competing diplomatic interests, provide insight to the individuals involved and explain Australia’s strategic position.
Frankly, I left thinking it would be difficult to imagine a person better prepared for the role of foreign minister than Julie Bishop. Part of this is perhaps because, as she said, this is her dream job. She’s totally engaged in her career and feels supremely fortunate for the opportunity she has to represent Australia on the international stage, but it’s obvious there’s far more to her success than good fortune. The combination of her intellect and her flair for diplomacy is formidable.
There is no doubt that having one female in Cabinet is dismal, even Bishop conceded this on the night. But if there’s to be a silver lining perhaps it’s the fact that the single female in Cabinet is so thoroughly outperforming her colleagues.