Australia's new DM says mitigating IS threat a priority

Newly-appointed Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne reaffirmed the threat that the Islamic State (IS) posed to the Western world when she fronted media for the first time on Tuesday.

Payne, appointed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in his cabinet reshuffle after the ousting of Tony Abbott last week, said that taking on the defence portfolio brought a "great sense of responsibility," telling the media that she would not be taking lightly the "serious threat" presented by IS.

"There is absolutely no doubt that there are individuals and leaders in (Islamic State) who are intent on disrupting Western democracies and their way of life," Payne told the media on Tuesday.

"I don't think the magnitude of the threat should be underestimated. I think it is a very serious threat, there is no question."

Payne said it was a "challenging time" for Australia's national security, and that she was honored to be appointed and placed in charge of maintaining the security of the nation.

"There is clearly no more important obligation or duty for the government than protecting the safety of our nation and of our people," she said.

"I take it on with a great sense of responsibility, a great sense of history and honor."

Since taking over the role from Kevin Andrews on Monday, Payne said she had made contact with United States officials and had planned a visit to the U.S., while meeting with counterparts in Indonesia was also high on her agenda.

Payne is Australia's first female defence minister, but stressed she didn't want her gender to affect judgment of how she was performing in the role.

"All I ask is I'm judged on my performance and not on my gender, " Payne told the media.

Payne's first test in charge of the defence portfolio comes when she reveals the details of the Defence White Paper - a document which will highlight the government's strategic, fiscal and broader policy priorities.

It is due to be released in October. Endi