Former Tasmanian MP Michelle O’Byrne will become Australia’s new ambassador for gender equality, tasked with helping to advance women’s rights in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
O’Byrne served as a Labor MP in the Tasmanian parliament since 2006 and announced her retirement from politics this year.
Many of her ministerial portfolios in politics have covered areas related to gender equality and include women and the prevention of family violence, education, workplace relations, emergency services, communities and economic development.
Before state politics, O’Byrne was the federal member for Bass for six years until 2004.
Most recently, she was the speaker of the Tasmanian House of Assembly. Throughout her political career, O’Byrne has advocated for and helped drive change to decriminalise abortion in Tasmania and establish safe zones around abortion clinics. She has also driven reform in the space of domestic and family violence.
Her appointment as gender equality ambassador was announced by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher. She replaces Stephanie Copus Campbell who has held the role since 2023.
“Michelle O’Byrne’s lifetime of advocacy for women’s rights and her experiencing driving progressive reform means she will be a powerful voice for gender equality in our region and around the world,” Wong said on Monday.
“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.”
When she retired from politics this year, EMILY’s List Australia — a network for Labor women – issued a statement thanking O’Byrne for her contribution to gender equality.
“Michelle O’Byrne has been a force for feminist change in Australia for nearly three decades. Her leadership in securing reproductive rights and standing up for women’s safety has changed the landscape of Tasmanian politics—and saved lives,” EMILY’s List Australia CEO Pamela Anderson said at the time.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said: “We are working to close the gender pay gap, boost women’s workforce participation, and ensure equal opportunities in leadership and decision-making.”
“We look forward to Michelle building on her record of delivering for women and girls in her new role as Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality.”
Feature image: Michelle Byrne, Facebook.