From a frustrated opposition spokesman to chairing the world's largest gathering of international financial minds - Treasurer Joe Hockey's been on a steep learning curve these past five months.
Just days after being was sworn in, and absorbing the daunting task of repairing the federal budget, Hockey was on a plane to Washington to attend his first Group of 20 meeting.
But this weekend the world is coming to him, as finance ministers and central bankers from the top developed and developing economies gather in Sydney.
Co-hosted with Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens, it will be the first major meeting of Australia's 2014 G20 presidency.
It's also Hockey's opportunity to shine on the world's stage.
The timing could have been better, given the Treasurer is preparing to wield the cost cutting knife in his first federal budget in May.
"It will be hugely important ... (but the G20) has taken up an enormous amount of my time," Hockey admits.
Hockey had big shoes to fill when he became treasurer. He's the first Liberal to hold the position since Peter Costello - the Liberal financial hero who oversaw tax cuts and budget surpluses.
Former Labor treasurer and long time Hockey adversary, Wayne Swan, offers a tip - avoid "tacky" domestic politics when fronting the G20.
However Swan, who's attended more G20 meetings than any other treasurer, also wants the government to have a successful G20 presidency.
"I fully support every effort the government will make to put in place that action agenda because the G20 simply can't afford to have an average outcome at this meeting," the retired MP says.
This weekend's G20 attendees will find Hockey genial, but no soft touch.
He's stood firm domestically against splashing out cash to save ailing auto makers and has resisted other calls from companies to save their financial hides.
Hockey is determined to get the Australian budget back into shape. He repeatedly tells the nation it must live within in its means.
The G20 can expect the same treatment.
