Australia's Campaign for Security Council Membership.

The United Nations Security Council has global responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is therefore essential for Australia to nominate periodically for non-permanent membership, and 2013–14 was the earliest feasible opportunity available to the Rudd government. Australia's uneven record of participation in the United Nations over the last decade and a half was an impediment to election, but recent renewed commitment to international law and upgraded multilateral engagement, among other factors, strengthened the case for election. Australia was elected in the first round of voting, principally due to effective political leadership and the sustained campaign organised by diplomatic officers. Membership will enable Australia to participate actively in discussion of issues on the Council's agenda and to lead discussion of two or three additional subjects. 联合国安理会负有维护国际和平及安全的责任。因此澳大利亚有必要定期提名为非常任理事国，2013—14年对陆克文政府是最早的机会。过去十五年中澳大利亚参与联合国事务颇不均衡，这不利于其当选。而最近它对国际法的重新关注、对多边关系的提升则有助于其当选。澳大利亚主要由于有效的政治领导和外交官坚持不懈的努力而在第一轮投票中当选。有了成员国资格，澳大利亚就能积极参与安理会的讨论，并领导两三个附加议题的讨论。 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]