Former Tasmanian politician Michelle O’Byrne has been appointed Australia’s new Ambassador for Gender Equality.
O’Byrne chose not to recontest her seat at the July state election, ending almost 20 years in Tasmanian politics.
She represented the seat of Bass in the state’s lower house from 2006 until 2025 and before that held the federal seat of Bass from 1998 to 2004.
During her state career, she oversaw key portfolios including women’s affairs and family violence prevention.
Federal Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said on Monday that O’Byrne will be a strong advocate for women’s rights across the Indo-Pacific.
In the ambassadorial role, she will focus on ending gender-based violence, promoting economic equality and boosting women’s participation in climate action and humanitarian efforts.
“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.
“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.”
O’Byrne takes over from Stephanie Copus Campbell, who has held the role since 2023.
