Liberal Senator Marise Payne, who has served in federal politics for 26 years, has announced her retirement. Her tenure will officially end on September 30. Sen. Payne, originally from Western Sydney, was appointed to the Senate in 1997 and held various positions in cabinet. Under the Morrison government, she served as foreign minister and minister for women, overseeing the government’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During her time as foreign minister, Sen. Payne maintained the government’s stance on Beijing and advocated for stability in the Indo-Pacific, free and open trade, human rights, and the welfare of Australians detained in China. She also criticized Beijing’s security pact with the Solomon Islands and called for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19. Sen. Payne played a key role in the adoption of Magnitsky-style sanctions, the opening of new Australian missions, the strengthening of the Quad working group, and the establishment of AUKUS.
In September 2015, Sen. Payne made history as the first woman to be appointed as Australia’s Minister for Defence. She later became the second woman to serve as Minister for Foreign Affairs in August 2018. Sen. Payne expressed her pride in being Australia’s longest-serving female senator and emphasized her dedication to the nation and its place in the world.
Opposition Senate Leader Simon Birmingham thanked Sen. Payne for her contribution to the Liberal Party and highlighted her role in creating history and making a lasting impact. Deputy Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley described Sen. Payne as a trailblazer and a dear friend. She acknowledged Sen. Payne’s significant contributions and expressed confidence in whatever endeavors await her in the future.