Julie Bishop is Deputy Leader of the Federal Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. If that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she is also a keen runner and on the board of the West Coast Eagles. I took five to find out how she manages life in the political fast lane.
You lead a very busy life. Sometimes we see you at a event in Perth, and the next day you are in Parliament in Canberra. Tell us about a typical week for you:
One of the attractions about my role is that there is no such thing as a typical week. Living in Perth means that I spend a lot of time travelling to Canberra for Parliament and to meetings and events on the east coast.
As Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade I also travel overseas in between parliamentary sitting weeks.
A typical day in Perth consists of a very early start for a morning jog and to read newspapers, followed by meetings with constituents, often a business roundtable at lunch, events or conferences in the afternoon and invariably an evening function. I am usually required to give speeches at events so there is never a dull moment!
You are a board member at the West Coast Eagles, how do football and politics go together?
Politics and football both require commitment and passion and a desire to win. I have been a supporter of the West Coast Eagles since it began over 25 years ago and I am loving my involvement with the Club as a board member.
Me with Julie and my friend Nicole at the opening of Nobu Perth
You always look so stylish at events, who are your favourite designers? Do you get a clothing allowance as an MP?
Parliamentarians are not provided with any clothing allowance. I have a number of favourite designers, however I look for clothes that not only fit well but can be worn from daytime into evening and can withstand the rigours of travel.
Political differences aside, how do you feel about Australia finally having it’s first female Prime Minister?
It was a significant breakthrough for Australian women to have our first female Prime Minister, however it is disappointing that Julia Gillard has failed to live up to expectations.
Julie is hosting a ‘Girls Night Out’ at Claremont Quarter next Wednesday night, 13th June. There will be a fashion parade by Carla Zampatti and Bianca Spender, champagne, wine, canapés and some incredible prizes including a trip for two to Cable Beach Club Broome, a Bally Handbag, a $6000 Jools necklace and a $1000 Maurice Mead voucher. You will also be one of the first to see David Bromleys truly amazing exhibition, Kaleidoscope.
To purchase tickets, contact Kirsten Ridge at Kirsten.ridge@gmail.com or on 0418 418 606.
Great interview Amy 🙂 It would be so hard to be a female politician as it seems they would have to take a lot more car with their wardrobe choices than their male counterparts as the men can just wear a suit and be done with it! Julie always looks professional but I like how she has that fun and fashionable edge to her outfit in that picture with you xx
She is a really fabulous and fun lady, and was more than happy to have a photo with my friend Nicole and I. She also has the most beautiful pearls I’ve ever seen 🙂 A xx
Fantastic interview Amy!! Next stop…Absolutely Amy the Talk Show. xx
Ha ha! I’m very flattered Son… I think I’ll be leaving the TV work to my hubby 🙂 A xx