‘Best shoes in Parliament’ to walk

JULIE Bishop said it was an “immense honour” to serve as Australia’s first woman foreign minister, as she announced her retirement from Federal Parliament at the next election. The former deputy Liberal leader announced her decision after Question Time in Canberra yesterday.

“I will not recontest the seat of Curtin at the next election,” she said, declaring she believed the Government would win the coming poll.

She said “extraordinarily talented” people, including women, had contacted her about running in the West Australian seat if she decided to stand down. “It is time for a new member to take my place,” she said.

She thanked the prime ministers who chose her to serve as a minister — John Howard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull.

Ms Bishop has been an MP since 1998, and was Australia’s first female foreign minister and deputy Liberal leader.

Ms Bishop’s political future has been in question since she decided against remaining in Cabinet after Mr Turnbull resigned as prime minister in August 2018.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison thanked Ms Bishop for her 21 years in Parliament and her devotion to the party.

“Her successor will have big shoes to fill and we all know Julie has the best shoes in the Parliament,” he said.

Mr Morrison praised her efforts when dealing with Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster in 2014, after 38 Australians were killed. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Ms Bishop had been a “trailblazer” in her roles in foreign affairs and as deputy Liberal leader.

He thanked her for fighting for the families of the MH17 victims on the world stage.

“She did Australia proud that day and in those weeks,” Mr Shorten said.

Ms Bishop’s successor as foreign minister, Marise Payne, choked back tears as she said Australia should be proud of its high status in the international community.