Julie Bishop reveals struggle of being separated from partner amid Covid-19

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop has been separated from her long-term partner David Panton, who lives in Sydney, since lockdown came into effect earlier this year. Just like a lot of other couples and families across the country, the Perth-based former pollie is now holding out for state borders to reopen.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, Julie, 64, said the first place she’ll go once state border restrictions are lifted is to Sydney to see her partner, revealing the last few months have been tough.

“We FaceTime,” she said. “It isn’t great but it is all you can do because he can’t get in here [WA] and I can’t go there without having to get an exemption. It is very difficult but I know a lot of families have been separated in this way, it is challenging.”

Julie who famously stepped away from politics in 2018, also revealed that she doesn’t miss her old job at all, telling the publication: “I had 20 years as a member of parliament and five as foreign Minister and that was a huge honour to represent Australia on the world stage. After 20 years it is time to move on and I have. I am loving my life in the private sector as Chancellor of the Australian National University.”

Julie is also on the advisory board of Afiniti, a software company focused on developing artificial intelligence for use in customer call centres and is on the board at the international consultancy Palladium.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Julie hasn’t been pictured out and about as much as usual. However, the former pollie did recently step out to attend Cancer Council WA’s Puttin’ On The Ritz fundraiser at the Ritz Carlton Hotel’s Hearth Restaurant in Perth. The event was a sophisticated high tea to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Bishop pulled out all the stops for the daytime bash, opting for a striking yellow and black midi dress, which came to a halt at her calves and featured a daring split up one side. The tight-fitting frock, which flattered the former lawyer’s figure, featured a bold black and white zebra print, with dramatic gold detailing.

The elegant dress also featured mid-length sleeves, making it perfect for daytime glamour, and Julie finished the look with a pair of black suede stiletto heels and a small black handbag.