Election 2025 - The Aftermath

16:30-17:30, 12 May 2025

Building 11, Level B, Room 56, 1 Kirinari Street, Bruce, ACT

Join us for an insightful discussion on the 2025 Australian Federal Election, featuring two distinguished speakers who have recently joined the University of Canberra as Adjunct Professors—The Honourable Dr Michael Kelly and The Honourable Scott Ryan—as they unpack the election results and their implications for Australia’s future.

With Labor securing a majority government and Anthony Albanese returning for a second term as Prime Minister, this election has reshaped the political landscape. The defeat of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who lost his seat of Dickson, marks a significant shift for the Liberal Party, raising questions about its future leadership and direction. Similarly, the Greens Party faces a leadership transition following the unexpected loss of Adam Bandt’s seat in Melbourne, leaving the party searching for its next leader. With Labor securing its strongest mandate since World War II, what does this mean for governance, policy-making, and the opposition’s strategy moving forward?

Our speakers will analyse the impact of key voting issues, including the evolving priorities of Australian voters. Following their presentations, participate in a conversation and Q&A session moderated by Professor Peter Leahy AC, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.

This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in Australian politics and democracy. Don’t miss this chance to hear expert perspectives on one of the most pivotal elections in recent history.

Scott was most recently Australia’s High Commissioner to Canada, concluding in December 2024. Prior to this, he was a member of the Commonwealth Parliament as Senator for Victoria from 2008-21. He served in the Abbott ministry as Parliamentary Secretary for Education, and in the Turnbull ministries in various roles, including Assistant Cabinet Secretary, Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Special Minister of State and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cabinet. In November 2017, he was elected the twenty-fifth President of the Senate and re-elected in July 2019. Following his retirement from Parliament in October 2021, he was appointed High Commissioner to Canada in December 2021. Scott is married to Helen and they live in Canberra with their two sons.

Mike served as a Member of the Commonwealth Parliament for Eden-Monaro from 2007 to 2020. He held multiple ministerial appointments during his tenure, including Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel. He had a distinguished military career as an Army officer from 1987 to 2007, including serving in a number of international operational deployments. His service earned him numerous accolades, including the Chief of General Staff Commendation Medal, Australian Active Service Medal (three clasps: Somalia, Timor Leste, Iraq), Australian Service Medal (Balkans), United Nations Medal (Timor Leste), Iraq Campaign Medal, Australian Defence Medal, and Defence Long Service Medal. Mike was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994. He holds a PhD from UNSW.