MP Dave Sharma used his first speech to parliament to discuss the shift of power across the globe

Wentworth MP Dave Sharma used his first speech to parliament to discuss the shift of power across the globe, drawing on his career as a high-ranking diplomat. “In East Asia in particular, we see challenges to US supremacy,” he said on Wednesday.

“Of equal concern is the risk of a diminished US appetite for global leadership, of a United States that is less willing to underwrite the foundations of the current global system, and more inclined to cherry-pick it, focusing more narrowly on its own national interests.

“This is a legitimate choice for the American people and their government to make. It nonetheless changes the outlook for Australia considerably.” Mr Sharma says Australia must be more active in external affairs.

The new MP also used his first speech to call for four-year parliamentary terms, although he admitted it would be a hard change to implement.

“Constitutional change would be required to effect this, and I do not underestimate the difficulty involved in doing this,” he said. “But as part of a broader set of constitutional reforms, I believe it is worth considering.”

He also hopes the government can improve the female participation rate in the workforce, which is about 10 per cent lower than men.

“Halving this gap between male and female workforce participation would be one of the most impactful and meaningful economic reforms we could pursue,” he said.

The father-of-three thanked the Australian-Indian community for accepting him despite his “poor command of Hindi and below-average cricket ability”. “(The community) have made such an enriching contribution to our national fabric,” he said.

The former ambassador to Israel first battled independent Kerryn Phelps for the Sydney seat after Malcolm Turnbull quit parliament in the aftermath of the Liberal leadership battle.

Mr Sharma lost the by-election late last year, but won the seat when he again challenged Dr Phelps in May. The new Wentworth MP thanked Mr Turnbull for serving the community with “passion and distinction”. Mr Turnbull returned the praise, congratulating Mr Sharma on his speech. “A very eloquent start to your parliamentary career! Good luck!” the former prime minister tweeted.