Australia will quickly get to work on a new trade agreement with Britain as it prepares to leave the European Union.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke with his new British counterpart, Theresa May on Saturday to congratulate her and open talks on trade.
That discussion was constructive, Mr Turnbull said on Sunday.
"Clearly our free trade arrangements with the United Kingdom are with the European community, so as Britain leaves the EU, what we will need to do is negotiate direct arrangements with Britain," he told reporters in Sydney.
"We need to get moving on that quickly."
Mrs May said Australia's offer to get started on a deal was "very encouraging", the Press Association reported.
"This shows that we can make Brexit work for Britain," she said.
European rules mean the UK will only have two years to make arrangements for its exit, including setting up new trade arrangements with all countries it currently deals with as part of the EU.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is looking forward to meeting again with Boris Johnson, newly appointed as Britain's foreign secretary.
She was struck by his charm, humour and intelligence when they met when Mr Johnson was London's mayor.
"He's mischievous, he's very cheeky, he has got a real glint in his eye," Ms Bishop told ABC TV on Sunday.
"I'm really looking forward to some of the foreign ministers' meetings with Boris Johnson."
She believes he is up to meeting the significant challenges the international community faces.
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