Key facts
- Australia is seeking a two-year term on the UN Security Council for 2029 and 2030.
- Siobhan McKenna, former News Corp head of broadcasting, will be Australia's next consul-general to New York.
- Australia has served on the UN Security Council five times previously, with its most recent term in 2013-2014.
- The vote for the UN council spot will be held in mid-2028.
- Australia's campaign for the council seat will focus on its role in the Pacific and climate change action.
- McKenna currently chairs Australia Post and previously chaired NBN.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated Australia's campaign for a two-year term on the UN Security Council, targeting 2029 and 2030. The announcement was made during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. Albanese also revealed that Siobhan McKenna, formerly the head of broadcasting at News Corp, will assume the role of Australia's next consul-general to New York.
Albanese stated that Australia's potential seat on the council would allow it to influence global issues that directly affect Australians, including the cost of living and inflation. He emphasized the importance of international engagement, asserting that it has a tangible impact on the daily lives and quality of life for Australians.
Australia has previously served on the Security Council five times since the UN's inception, with its most recent term occurring in 2013 and 2014. During that period, Australia played a leading role in responding to the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. Albanese cited this past involvement as evidence of the significant role Australia could play on the council.
Australia is seeking election from the Western Europe and Others Group, a bloc from which two countries are elected. While Australia and Finland have so far declared their candidacies, other nations from the bloc may still put their names forward. Success requires support from two-thirds of the 193 UN member states, even if unopposed.
The campaign, themed "we listen, we partner, we protect," aims to amplify the voices of middle and smaller powers within the UN. Key aspects of Australia's platform will include its actions on climate change in the Pacific region, its stance on social media use for minors, and its efforts to regulate artificial intelligence. McKenna, who currently chairs Australia Post and previously chaired NBN, is expected to bring significant financial and economic expertise to her new role.