Gossip Queen: Striking a pose at the Portsea Polo

AFTER being a last-minute no-show last year, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop returned to the polo party set at Portsea on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop with her partner, David Panton at the 2018 Portsea Polo. Picture: Sarah Matray

AFTER being a last-minute no-show last year, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop returned to the polo party set at Portsea on Saturday.

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Bishop proved to be a master at public relations and showed she knows her good side, artfully striking a pose with numerous phone-wielding, snap-happy fans.

The Foreign Minister’s unheralded appearance among the glamour set came after she cancelled plans to join the polo pack at last year’s event as it fell at a time where she was under travel expense scrutiny following revelations she billed taxpayers for her travel to the event the prior year.

Her change of plans at the time was put down to a visit by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

“I’m here privately with friends, with David (Panton, her partner),” she said.

“I’m enjoying the day, I’m enjoying some time out.”

Although taking time out she has been keeping an eye on the #TimesUp and #MeToo movement that continues to gain momentum as more women take a stand against inappropriate behaviour.

Julie Bishop and partner David Panton with fans at the Portsea Polo. Picture: Sarah Matray

“It was probably inevitable given that clearly there’s been unacceptable behaviour in the workplace and women have decided to take a stand,” she said.

“And it was appropriate for that unwanted sexual harassment be called out.”

She added that she was a keen mentor of young women looking to enter the political field.

“We have to ensure that the environment is welcoming and inclusive and work hard to encourage more women to be involved in public life,” she said.

“I seek to mentor young women, talking about career options and opportunities and ensuring them that they should trust their instincts, back their judgement and don’t ever let anyone else define who they are and what they can achieve.”

And as for a holiday read, it is Fire and Fury, the unauthorised account of Donald Trump’s White House that has her attention.

“I’m halfway through it. It’s an interesting holiday read,” she said.

Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann has spoken of his shock at being sacked from his Gold FM No.1 breakfast show.

“I have spoken to Jo (Stanley), and said ... it was a mistake to work so hard and get ourselves to No.1,” he said.

“If we had our time again we would stay middle of the pack and we possibly would still have a job.

“We have all accepted it now and we are moving on.”