The Hugh Stretton Oration: Are public policy failures risking our democracy?
Description
The Hugh Stretton Oration 2026
Join us for our annual Hugh Stretton Oration established in 2021 in honour of the late Emeritus Professor Hugh Stretton AC. Our guest speaker, Dr Susan Close will explore the topic "Are public policy failures risking our democracy?".
For whom is public policy made? For many people, our social infrastructure increasingly appears set up to benefit those who are already fortunate, and those who were born into disadvantage or misfortune are too often left behind.
Dr Close will suggest that this is perilous to our democracy and those who want to protect our system of government must start from accepting the legitimacy of the anger many Australians feel. She will illustrate her argument from her experience in government, especially in the education policy domain, and also tackle the way in which politicians and policy makers must approach their craft.
Presenter
Dr Susan Close
Now heading up the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership at Monash University, Dr Susan Close was until late 2025 the Deputy Premier of South Australia. She represented the seat of Port Adelaide for fourteen years and held ministerial roles in Education, Environment and Industry over her 12 years on the front bench in government and opposition. Dr Close has studied and worked in universities in South Australia, as well as serving as a senior public servant before entering politics.
Description
We hope you can join us to engage with this social, economic, and political discourse with responses from Professor Lisa Hill: Professor of Politics, Adelaide University and Professor Alan Reid: Professor of Education, Adelaide University.
📅 Date: Tuesday, 2 June 2026
⌚ Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (Adelaide time). Arrive 5:15pm - 5:30 pm start.
📍 Location: Elder Hall, Adelaide University, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
🔒 RSVP: Secure your spot now.
🔗 Additional Links:
Stretton Institute | Adelaide University
For inquiries: contact strettoninstitute@adelaide.edu.au
Thank you for being a part of this special event. We look forward to welcoming you!
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