Any political solution to the crisis in Syria should include the country's President Bashar Assad, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told local media on Saturday. Longstanding demands for Assad's ouster on the part of the United States and its western allies have shifted recently against the backdrop of the Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group's encroachment and Russia's assistance for Assad in fighting the militant group. She said there is "emerging consensus" that the Syrian leader will likely play a pivotal role in preventing the Arab republic from becoming a failed state. However, the Australian diplomat said Assad's role "would likely be temporary." Bishop's about-face reflects the policy shift that is anticipated with the recent change in Australian leadership. Malcolm Turnbull replaced Tony Abbott as prime minister of Australia last week after a vote in the ruling Liberal party. On the next day, Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews confirmed the Oceanian country had launched its first anti-ISIS airstrikes in Syria.