Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly I'd like to thank my party members in Gilmore and people across Australia who have sent good-luck wishes and supportive messages this week. The loyalty of those special Liberal branch members is a highlight for me. Thank you for many years of great friendship, and I appreciate each one of you as I make this announcement.

Today I am honoured to accept the position as the federal government delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. This opportunity will enable me to see and participate in the important work of the assembly. Other duties in parliament over the last five years have been the foundation of interests and pursuits that make this so important. These include being chair of the Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development; being vice-chair of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development; hosting international parliamentarians, NGOs and stakeholders involved in the issues of women's health, reproductive rights and access to education and health; as well as women's empowerment initiatives. I work closely with CARE Australia and the International Women's Development Agency and currently mentor a female parliamentarian in Myanmar. I look forward to making a contribution to the discussions and forums that are held by the United Nations and seeing firsthand how STEM education initiatives are being pursued by our regional and global neighbours.

In addition to taking on this role, I wish to assure my constituents in Gilmore that I will continue to advocate for their needs, their issues, their concerns and any other problems they may endure. After all, I can work at night; my team can work during the day.

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