Dr Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy, today welcomed the news that Australia has been elected to serve as a non-permanent member on the United Nations Security Council for 2013–2014.

“Australia’s election to the Security Council today is a magnificent win for Australian diplomacy”.

“All those involved in the initiation and prosecution of the campaign deserve kudos”, said Dr Fullilove.

“Membership of the Security Council is manifestly in our national interest”, said Dr Fullilove, a long-term advocate of Australia’s UN Security Council bid.

“The Council is the world’s pre-eminent crisis management forum. It is the pointy end of the United Nations. Sitting on the Council will increase our international leverage and add to our reputation as a country with global interests and capacities”.

“I am confident that given the quality of our diplomats and our ideas, Australia can make a significant contribution to the Security Council’s deliberations in the 2013-2014 term”, said Dr Fullilove.  

“With Australia’s win in New York, we now have a seat at the world’s two biggest tables – the G20 and the UN Security Council”, he said.