Treasurer Jim Chalmers has lauded the significance of Britain being about to have its first prime minister of Asian descent.
Rishi Sunak has been named leader of the Conservative Party after Liz Truss resigned from the prime ministership, paving the way for him to take the nation's top job.
Dr Chalmers called Mr Sunak a great friend of Australia and congratulated him.
"I don't think it's insignificant a country like the United Kingdom has its first prime minister of colour," he said on Tuesday.
"The UK, like Australia, has no shortage of challenges and no shortage of economic challenges.
"So, we wish Rishi Sunak well. I personally look forward to working with whoever he names as chancellor of the exchequer."
Dr Chalmers said he exchanged messages with the incoming prime minister after he was unsuccessful in the last leadership ballot against Ms Truss.
"It says something about his commitment and his persistence, the way that he conducted himself in the interim," Dr Chalmers said.
