Julie Bishop on motherhood: ‘It is the way life turned out’

The former Foreign Minister grew up thinking she would one day become a mother. That wasn’t her journey. Here, she talks life as a role model to women in her life.

It wasn’t a matter of choice, more circumstance as to why former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop never had kids.

“I didn’t really make the choice, it is the way life turned out,” Bishop said, attending a Mother’s Day event as an ambassador for David Jones. “I’ve absolutely come to terms with it and am loving my life as a female role model, mentor, sister, you name it, I am just surrounded by beautiful women.”

Bishop has eight nieces and nephews, and some of them have children.

She attended the event with three of her nieces – Isabel Michell, Annabel Fribence and Ella Bishop – and grand-niece Celia.

Friend of David Jones, The Hon Julie Bishop, with nieces Isabel Michell with baby Celia, Ella Bishop (white) and Annabel Fribence (peach).

The trailblazing 67-year-old is one of four children. Bishop was married to property developer Neil Gillon for five years in the 80s and was a lawyer before embarking on her political career in her 40s.

“I assumed I would (have kids),” Bishop said when reflecting on her life. “Like many women growing up, I assumed that you get married and have children but it didn’t turn out that way for me. I’ve had a very fulfilling and satisfying life. There is no stereotype as to what women should or shouldn’t be these days, women can be whatever they want to be and I am very satisfied with the way my life has turned out. It is different from others but for me it has been very rewarding.”

Julie Bishop catching up with Reese Witherspoon at United Nations. Picture: Instagram.

Mother’s Day yesterday was spent in Kiama on the South Coast after Bishop attended a wedding of a former political staffer there at the weekend.

“My nieces will often tell me stuff that they won’t tell their own mother,” she said, proud of the strong bond they share. “I’ll often give them a few tips on how to survive in a man’s world.”

So what are those tips?

“A number of things. Don’t let others define who you are or what you can achieve,” she detailed.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop speaking at a doorstop at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

“Don’t be affected by criticism from people whose opinions you don’t respect and also to know your facts, know your brief and then feel confident to speak out in an environment that might otherwise seem intimidating.”