The former Prime Minister of Portugal, UN Commissioner for Refugees and European Council President is well qualified to serve as head of the United Nations at this crucial time.
As Prime Minister of Portugal Mr Guterres helped lead the campaign for international intervention to halt the violence in East Timor following the Timorese vote for independence.
His time heading the UNHCR was marked by the largest movement of people seeking asylum since the end of the Second World War, making him well qualified to tackle an issue that will continue to dominate international relations.
Mr Guterres election was assisted by his nomination having the full backing of Portugals Prime Minister.
Unfortunately, Malcolm Turnbull was unable to put aside petty partisan politics and follow this lead by supporting an Australian nomination for this prestigious role.
Mr Turnbulls refusal to nominate Kevin Rudd, a former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, contrary to his own Foreign Ministers recommendation, shows he puts the demands of the Liberal Partys hard right ahead of Australias national interest.
