On the night he was elected, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd committed himself to work with Australia's friends and allies to tackle the great challenges facing the world.
In his first year, Rudd has made significant progress, in particular displaying a genuine commitment to working constructively to find global solutions to global problems. But much has changed since election night 12 months ago, with a raft of new challenges emerging.
The rapid escalation of the global financial crisis; the harsh reality of the food crisis, which has plunged 100 million more people into severe hunger over the past year; the imminent end of the Bush Administration; and the global resonance of Barack Obama's message of hope and unity are just some of the major shifts; to have occurred.
Of course, other situations have changed little.
The war in Iraq continues, though Australia has now withdrawn its troops. Efforts in Afghanistan where Australian troops remain are hampered by a lack of resources and a need for greater support of the United Nations' coordination mandate.
The humanitarian situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate in the face of international inaction. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise in developed countries, while developing countries grapple with the impacts of climate change. And, over the course of yet another year, 10million children have died unnecessarily as a result of extreme poverty.
The Rudd Government has taken some positive steps in responding to these challenges, beginning with Rudd's first act as Prime Minister the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. This laid the foundation for the positive role Australia played at the UN climate change talks in Bali.
In March, Rudd signalled a new chapter in Australia's relationships with our Pacific neighbours during his visit to Papua New Guinea. The Port Moresby Declaration commits Australia to greater cooperation with Pacific island nations and, through the framework of new Pacific Partnerships for Development, better coordination of assistance to Pacific nations.
The Government's budget delivered on all its specific pre-election commitments and foreshadowed a greater focus on multilateralism and the Millennium Development Goals the eight internationally agreed targets to halve global poverty by 2015.
Indeed, the Rudd Government's re-engagement with multilateral institutions gives much cause for hope. If this momentum is maintained, Australia may be well positioned for UN Security Council membership in 2013-14.
It is now vital for Australia to exercise that creative middle-power diplomacy the PM often speaks of to drive global solutions to pressing global problems. Four priorities stand out.
First, Australia must drive a fair deal for the Doha Round of World Trade Organisation negotiations for farmers in Australia and developing countries alike. Talks remain in stalemate until the US puts an end to the grotesque trade-distorting subsidies it provides to its own farmers and the European Union lifts the barriers faced by developing-country farm exporters in accessing European markets.
Second, Australia should position itself as a key broker for a fair climate change deal in Copenhagen one which recognises that those countries historically most responsible for climate change must do the initial heavy lifting on emissions reductions. The new agreement must also incorporate adequate technology transfer and adaptation financing for developing countries.
Third, Australia should become a fierce international advocate for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. And it must lead by example. As Mr Rudd acknowledged at the UN in September, Australia must do much more to make poverty history and now is the time to turn rhetoric into action.
Fourth, with the international system manifestly unfit for the purpose of addressing conflicts such as those in Congo and Sudan, Australia should drive further progress towards a UN Arms Trade Treaty and aggressively advocate the recently agreed Responsibility To Protect doctrine affirming the responsibility of the international community to protect those who face crimes against humanity in their own countries.
And, so, this first anniversary of Rudd's election is both an occasion for reflection and a moment to look ahead at what is yet to be achieved. In the international context, as at home, the Government has its work cut out for it.
James Ensor is acting executive director of Oxfam Australia.