Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis off to New York in UN position

In a statement released on Thursday morning Mrs Sudmalis said she was “honoured to accept the position”.

It has been reported the position was an offer from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“I’m honoured to accept the position as the Federal Coalition delegate to the United Nations General Assembly,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

Read more: 

“I am passionate about advocating for the rights of women and children in Australia and in developing nations.

“This opportunity will enable me to see important work achieved by the United Nations first-hand.

“As chair of the Australian Parliamentarians Group on Population Growth and Population Development and vice-chair of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, I have been part of bringing together parliamentarians, NGO’s and stakeholders to work on the issues of women’s health, reproductive rights and access to education and health, as well as women’s empowerment, for the last five years as an MP.

“I am also the chair of the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs and a member of the Joint Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.”

On Monday night Mrs Sudmalis formally announced she would not seek re-election, using parliamentary privilege to accuse some NSW Liberal figures, including Kiama MP Gareth Ward, of bullying her.

She accused Mr Ward of "bullying, betrayal and backstabbing".

"This is not the first time that Gareth has flexed his vengeance on strong Liberal women. He doesn't just get even, he annihilates anyone who opposes him," she said.

An angry Mr Ward denied the allegations.

There are suggestions Mrs Sudmalis’ last day in parliament prior to departing, could even be today, Thursday (September 20).

Read more: 

She said she works closely with CARE Australia and the International Women’s Development Agency and currently mentors female parliamentarians in Myanmar.

“I look forward to making a contribution to the discussion and forums that are held by the United Nations and seeing first-hand how STEM education initiatives are being pursued by our regional neighbours and global partners,” she said.

Mrs Sudmalis said she would continue to represent her constituents in addition to taking on this role.

The annual bipartisan trip involves one MP from both the Liberal and Labor parties and starts in September, concluding in December.

The delegates normally work with the Australian Mission to the United Nations, and conduct speaking engagements.

It's understood Labor veteran Jenny Macklin will be the ALP representative for the next three months.