Anthony Albanese has launched a formal bid for Australia to win a two-year UN Security Council term in 2029 and 2030, and named former News Corp head of broadcasting Siobhan McKenna as consul general to New York.
Key facts
- Albanese launched a formal bid for Australia to serve a two-year term on the UN Security Council in 2029 and 2030.
- Australia is competing with Finland for a spot on the council.
- The bid requires the backing of two-thirds of UN member states.
- Former News Corp head of broadcasting Siobhan McKenna was named Australia's next consul general to New York.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched a formal bid for Australia to serve a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council in 2029 and 2030, according to the Guardian.
Australia is competing with Finland for a place on the council, the Guardian reported. To secure the seat, the prime minister needs the backing of two-thirds of UN member states.
Alongside the Security Council bid, Albanese unveiled Siobhan McKenna, the former News Corp head of broadcasting, as Australia’s next consul general to New York.
The dual announcement links Australia’s push for a greater role in international affairs with a key diplomatic appointment in one of the country’s most significant overseas postings.
A successful campaign would give Australia a role in the Security Council’s deliberations over global peace and security during the 2029 and 2030 term, though the outcome depends on the votes of member states.
The Guardian noted that the contest with Finland underscores the competitive nature of securing a non-permanent seat on the council.
Why it matters
A seat on the UN Security Council would give Australia a direct voice in decisions on international peace and security, but the bid faces competition and requires broad international support. The appointment of a former Murdoch executive to a top diplomatic role also draws attention to how Australia staffs its key overseas posts.
Frequently asked questions
When would Australia serve on the UN Security Council if the bid succeeds?
According to the Guardian, Australia is bidding for a two-year term in 2029 and 2030.
Who is Australia competing against for the seat?
The Guardian reported that Australia and Finland are vying for the spot on the council.
Who was named Australia's consul general to New York?
Albanese named Siobhan McKenna, the former News Corp head of broadcasting, as Australia's next consul general to New York.