The Albanese Labor government has announced a new round of senior diplomatic appointments, naming Michelle O’Byrne as Australia’s next ambassador for gender equality.
In her new role, O’Byrne will take forward Australia’s domestic and international work to support women and girls.
In a joint statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said O'Byrne will focus on tackling gender-based violence, promoting economic equality and inclusive trade, supporting women’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific, and ensuring women are represented in climate and humanitarian action.
O’Byrne served as a Tasmanian state MP for Bass from 2006 to 2025, and previously as the federal member for Bass between 1998 and 2004. During her career, she has held ministerial roles in women’s affairs, prevention of family violence, education, workplace relations, emergency services, and economic development.
Her record includes campaigning for the decriminalisation of abortion in Tasmania, the creation of safe access zones around abortion clinics, and reforms to strengthen protections for family violence victims.
Wong said O’Byrne brought deep experience to the role.
“Michelle O’Byrne’s lifetime of advocacy for women’s rights and her experience driving progressive reform means she will be a powerful voice for gender equality in our region and around the world,” Wong said.
The ministers also thanked outgoing Ambassador Stephanie Copus Campbell for her work since 2023 in advancing Australia’s gender equality priorities.
Will Nankervis to Spearhead Climate Diplomacy
Will Nankervis has been appointed as Australia’s new ambassador for climate change, a role the government says will underpin international engagement on climate policy.
He will be tasked with leading diplomatic work in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, and coordinating efforts across government on international climate issues.
He is currently the first assistant secretary in the Climate Diplomacy and Development Finance Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
A senior career officer, he has served as Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN in Jakarta, and had earlier postings in New York at the U.N., as well as in Colombo.
“Mr Nankervis will join efforts to secure Australia’s bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific. The government is committed to ensuring that our region’s voices shape global climate action at COP31,” Wong said.
