A Sunshine Coast politician has been appointed to represent the Australian Parliament at the United Nations General Assembly later this year.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said he was proud to be selected for the role.
He will travel to the United States from September, returning later in the spring session of Parliament.
He said the opportunity came at a crucial time for Australia, and considered it a privilege to represent the nation at the world’s pre-eminent global forum.
“We live in one of the most geo-politically unstable times since World War II,” he said.
“It’s an honour to have been put forward for this important role in light of the global challenges confronting Australia, Australian families and their businesses.
“This will be an opportunity to deepen Australia’s parliamentary relationship with international security, defence and humanitarian partners, the kind of international cooperation necessary if we’re to defend Australia’s interests at home and abroad.”
He said he was not blinded to the realities and failings of the United Nations and the wider international system, particularly in relation to defending democracy in the Middle East and what he considered an overstep in relation to domestic policy issues.
“We have an obligation to defend Australia’s sovereignty from overreaching or overzealous international bodies,” he said.
“Australians elect their peers to represent them in Parliament – that power should not be ceded, willingly or unwillingly, to unelected bureaucrats in Canberra or in New York.
“It is incumbent upon all Members of Parliament to protect Australians’ democratic rights. As (Thomas) Jefferson said, ‘eternal vigilance is the price of liberty’, and vigilance is what Australians demand from those whom they elect.”
Mr Wallace has been a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade since 2017, including as chair of the Defence Subcommittee in government, and now as deputy chair in opposition.
He has also been the deputy chair of the powerful Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security since mid-2022.
The Wurtulla local said his office would remain open during his secondment, and he would continue meeting with constituents by virtual means.
“Seven years ago, the people of Fisher elected me to represent their interests at home, in Canberra, and beyond,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to defend the national sovereignty and security on which we rely … but my first love and most important duty remains with my local community.”
Mr Wallace has previously spoken on Australia’s responsibility to defend Israel, local support for Ukraine, Iran’s tyrannical Revolutionary Guard Corps and Australia’s engagement with Pacific partners through labour mobility.
He has also spoken on the threat of terror at home and abroad, and of Parliament’s role in addressing foreign influence.
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