Alumni Profile

Mitch Fifield (Class of 1984) is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations. Prior to this appointment he served as a Senator for Victoria representing the Liberal Party from 2004 to 2019. During this time he held several ministerial positions in the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison governments.

What has been your journey since finishing at Barker?

The journey wasn’t really planned. I’ve essentially done what’s fun and interesting. At Sydney University I had the intention of becoming a military psychologist, but student politics got the better of me and a career in politics followed.

So sixteen years in the Senate (representing Victoria not NSW) and serving as a cabinet minister in communications, the arts, cyber safety, digital government, disabilities, aged care and as Deputy Senate Leader - under three PMs.

And for the past almost four years

I’ve been in New York serving as the Australian Ambassador to the United Nations where I lead a team from DFAT, ADF and AFP representing Australia’s interests to UN General Assembly, UN Security Council and the other 192 UN Member States.

What inspired your career path?

The ability to advocate and to influence events. To make a case and carry people with you. This allows you to make change where it’s needed.

What is your proudest achievement?

Two things.

Firstly, laying the foundations of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It’s a great non-partisan venture. It’s not perfect, but it has delivered a much better deal for Australians with disability.

Secondly, reforming Australia’s media laws to put our media organisations on a more level playing field with the global giants, so we continue to hear Australian stories in Australian voices.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?

Developing real relationships, rather than transactional ones. This is the key to achieving in politics whether on the floor of the Australian Senate or the floor of the UN General Assembly.

If you want another MP or Ambassador to take an interest in what matters to your government or your country, you have to take an interest in what matters to them, and have a relationship separate to the business at hand.

What’s next for you after your role at the UN concludes in July?

As I say, I have never really planned anything professionally. But a role in the international system or heading an Australian not-for-profit both have an attraction.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Barker?

Being in the 2nds Basketball team. Barker 1sts were the Australian School Boy Champions for a decade in the 70’s and 80’s. So even being in the 2nds felt pretty cool.

Do you have any advice for today’s students?

Many will tell you that you’re too young to do something, until they start telling you that you’re too old. Few will ever say that this is the right time for you. So when you feel you’re ready to tackle something. Do it.

The only other piece of advice is that success is 90 percent persistence. The person who succeeds is the one who hangs in there for a figurative 15 minutes longer than anyone else.