Official portrait of Julie Bishop. Photo by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Facts About Julie Bishop


 

Julie Isabel Bishop was born on July 17 1956 in Lobethal, South Australia. Julie grew up in the Adelaide Hills on her family’s cherry and apple orchard. Sir Thomas Playford, one of the most notable of South Australian leaders and Premier from 1938 to 1965, was a close friend of her grandfather.

She is a former Australian politician who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2018 and deputy leader of the Liberal Party from 2007 to 2018. She also served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Curtin from 1998 to 2019. In addition to her outstanding professional accomplishments, Julie is a devout Christian who enjoys swimming and running in her leisure time. Here is a look at some other interesting facts about the former Foreign Minister.

1.She is a Trailblazer in the Political Sphere for Women

Julie Bishop being sworn in as Foreign Minister. Picture by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Wikimedia Commons

Julie has made repeated attempts to shatter the glass ceiling, from her early legal career to her positions as Australia’s first female foreign minister and the Liberal Party’s first female deputy leader in its 75-year history. Julie got to where she is in life through perseverance, hard effort, and eventually, believing in her aspirations.

Her professional success has also given her the opportunity to run for prime minister of Australia. Although Julie Bishop was disqualified from the contest early on, many of her fans still think she was the most qualified candidate. All in all, her successes have paved the way for many women in politics.

2.Julie Bishop is Known for Her Infamous Death Stare

Julie Bishop in 2015. Picture by Antonio Cruz – Wikimedia Commons

Karl Stefanovic, among other persons, has been the subject of Julie Bishop’s wide-eyed glare. Her death glare, which has inspired Facebook groups and Twitter hashtags, is the most well-known facial expression in Australian politics. The expression first gained notoriety in a 2010 Q&A session when the Western Australian politician gave someone the “you did not just do that” death stare.

She has decided to sign herself up on a number of TV shows over the years, from a stare-out challenge with Chas Licciardello of The Chaser in 2010 to her face-off with Tom Gleeson for This Week Live’s I Hate You Change My Mind just prior to the 2013 election, demonstrating that she doesn’t mind getting some little fun at her own expense.

3.She Studied at Harvard University

Julie Bishop studied law at the University of Adelaide, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1978. After finishing her studies, Ms. Bishop relocated to Western Australia and made it big as a solicitor. However, according to Ms. Bishop, it was not until she traveled to the US and completed a course in Harvard Business School’s advanced management program in 1996 that the energy of Boston influenced her to get involved in federal politics.

4.Julie is a Fashionista

Julie Bishop on a tour of the Australian-funded Market Development Facility Exhibition.Photo by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website – Wikimedia Commons

Julie Bishop has an unabashedly chic and feminine sense of style. She proudly possesses a designer wardrobe and prefers the Giorgio Armani fashion line. The foreign minister has even been featured on the pages of Vogue Australia, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and other top fashion magazines.

5.She Has Been Previously Married

In 1983, Julie Bishop married real estate developer Neil Gillon and even adopted his last name. However, five years into their marriage, the two fell out and decided to file for divorce. After the divorce, Bishop went back to using her maiden name. Since 2014, Julie Bishop and David Panton, a real estate entrepreneur, have been in a long-term relationship.

Bishop does not have any children, just like Australia’s first female prime minister, Julia Gillard. She initially planned to have children at some point, but her life simply didn’t work out that way. She is however grateful that the strides she has achieved in her career have filled the void of children.

6.Julie Bishop Can Hold Her Own in Any Debate

Julie Bishop was born and raised in the charming Adelaide Hills neighborhood of Basket Range. She later attended the prestigious St. Peter’s Collegiate Girls’ School in Adelaide, where she was co-head prefect and the debate team captain in her senior year. Prior to entering politics and winning the Curtin seat in the 1998 federal election, Bishop first worked as a barrister and solicitor. With her vast experience, Julie is definitely one to win a debate.

7.She Has Been Compared to Claire Underwood From House Of Cards

The fictitious television character Underwood is shrewd and determined to go to the White House with her husband. The similarity to Underwood is possibly made easier by Ms. Bishop’s short hair, impeccable sense of style, and love of running. There have also been comparisons made between Underwood and Ms. Bishop’s intimidating glare.

8.According to Julie Bishop, Women Can’t Have it All

It is widely known that Julie gave up parenthood to pursue a political career. As she believes that women cannot have it all, she has referred to herself as “the Anne-Marie Slaughter school.” She has also expressly said that, despite having a wide range of options, women must ultimately choose a decision that precludes them from having other options.

9.Julie Bishop Was Named One of the 10 Women to Watch in 2013’s Women’s Agenda

Julie presenting at the Australian Dialogue on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict 2 June 2014, Parliament House. Picture by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade- Wikimedia Commons

In a list that seeks to recognize the contributions of women in shaping various fields including politics, media, science, business and the arts, Journalist Rose Powell selected Bishop as the  top female politician with a change of government after her pivotal involvement in the AWU slush fund campaign against the then Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

10.Julie Has an Eclectic Music Taste

On August 31 2013, alongside the then Deputy Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and Greens deputy leader Adam Bandt, Bishop was one of three guest politicians who hosted the ABC’s Rage election special. On the all-night Australian music video program, the deputies each selected 20 of their favorite songs and told personal anecdotes about their musical relationships. Bishop chose songs by Beyonce, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Friday on My Mind by The Easybeats, and Like A Virgin by Madonna.