He's the man who moved Down Under from Belgium at 23 knowing minimal English.
Next week he will be the nation's acting prime minister.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who will take charge when Malcolm Turnbull goes to the US, was on Friday reflecting on his rise in Australian politics.
"Australia is just a great country," he told Sky News.
"What I say to all of my fellow migrants always is that Australia is a country where if you put your shoulder to the wheel and work hard and do the best you can to make a difference there's no limit to what you can achieve."
Barnaby Joyce would usually be acting for Mr Turnbull, but the Nationals leader is taking leave to sort out his private life after his affair with an ex-staff member made headlines.
Liberal deputy Julie Bishop is also away.
Senator Cormann was quick to insist the week will be business as usual.
"The prime minister is still the prime minister even when he is in Washington. I'll just be his man on the ground here in Australia."
Australian Associated Press
