'Big-time parliament powerhouse': The Hon Julie Bishop reveals her biggest poitical 'flex' during chat with surprising new bestie Tyra Banks
The Honourable Julie Bishop has revealed what it's like to be a "big-time parliament powerhouse" in a new interview with close friend Tyra Banks.
The 68-year-old Australian politician, who was the first female Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2018 and the first female deputy leader of the Liberal Party from 2007 to 2018, sat down for an interview with the American supermodel on Sunday.
It's understood that the pair became fast friends after Banks moved to Australia with her family, including her nine-year-old son, York, and partner, Louis Bélanger-Martin, in late 2023.
The unlikely duo were recently spotted dining together at Nobu in Sydney's Crown Casino, sharing happy snaps from the outing on social media.
"I have a confession," the former America's Next Top Model judge told Bishop during the interview for The Daily Telegraph.
"I kept forgetting you were this big-time parliament powerhouse because you were just so warm, inviting, lovely … and FUN!
"It felt like girlfriends catching up – not a government icon and a retired-but-not-really-retired-now supermodel-turned-businesswoman. Ha!"
When Banks asked Bishop what the most unexpected thing was in her handbag, the former MP offered a peek into her current work as the United Nations' Special Envoy to Myanmar.
"My United Nations ID and the business cards of some very interesting people!" she revealed.
Reflecting on her 21-year political career, the Perth-based former politician, who was MP for Curtin from 1998 to 2019, also served as Minister for Education, Science and Training, Minister for Women's Issues and Minister for Ageing.
Banks asked her to recall the most unexpected "Julie Bishop flex" she'd ever pulled in a room full of "men in suits".
"Sitting around a table with all men to discuss a proposal and trying unsuccessfully to get a word in," Bishop replied.
"So waiting until they all agree with each other and are about to move on, then putting my hand up to say, 'There's a fundamental flaw in this. We'll need to start from the beginning, and here's why'."
When asked about a time she nearly lost composure in Parliament from laughing, Bishop recounted being caught on live TV playing "rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock" with former Cabinet Minister Christopher Pyne while waiting for Question Time.
"We then received a text from staff saying, 'You're on TV – stop it!'" she said.
Banks, who recently launched her SMiZE & DREAM ice cream brand with a flagship store in Sydney's Darling Harbour, ended the chat by making plans with Bishop for their next girls' getaway.
"I bonded with you in such a beautiful way when we had that first dinner at Nobu at the Crown. What should we do on our next girls' hangout?" she asked.
Bishop replied: "I love that we connected so easily with lots to talk about, so I can't wait for our trip to Margaret River to explore the wine region and just hang out for a few relaxing days."
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