The 2024 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture

Known for her insightful perspectives and dynamic leadership, this event will provide a deep dive into international relations, policymaking, and the importance of Australia's role in an ever-changing global landscape.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, brings a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of geopolitical dynamics. This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of the nation's most influential leaders in foreign affairs. Secure tickets early to avoid missing out.

Attend online
Prefer to attend online? Secure your tickets here.

Got a question for the Minister?
Here’s your chance! A selection of pre-submitted questions will be addressed live at the event. Don’t miss the opportunity to join the conversation - submit your question/s here!

About Senator the Hon Penny Wong

Senator the Hon Penny Wong was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in May 2022, following the election of the Albanese Government.

Penny Wong moved from Malaysia to Australia in 1976, when she was eight years old. After university she worked for the trade union covering furniture industry employees, taking part in campaigns to improve pay and conditions for the union’s members, including female migrants working in upholstery workshops.

She worked as an adviser to the NSW Labor Government where she helped develop forests policy, and then as a barrister, before being elected to the Senate for the Australian Labor Party in 2001. Senator Wong has been re-elected four times.

In 2007, she was appointed Minister for Climate Change and Water. In this position she significantly expanded the Renewable Energy Target, which has driven significant investment in wind and solar power. She also represented Australia in international climate change negotiations and developed the Rudd Government’s emissions trading scheme, a market-based mechanism to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions in the most economically efficient way.

In 2010, Senator Wong was appointed as Minister for Finance and Deregulation. As Finance Minister she worked with Treasurer Wayne Swan to deliver three Budgets in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis. She also implemented a policy to ensure women are considered for appointments to senior positions in government agencies and corporations.

In 2013 Senator Wong was elected Leader of the Government in the Senate and, after the change of government in 2013, became Leader of the Opposition in the Senate – the first woman to hold either of these roles.

Hosted by Professor Nicholas Farrelly
Professor Farrelly is the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Southern Tasmania at the University of Tasmania. He previously served as Head of Social Sciences, leading a multidisciplinary team across multiple campuses. With a distinguished academic background, including First Class Honours from ANU and a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, Nicholas specialises in political and cultural issues in rapidly evolving Asian societies. He also collaborates with Australian government, industry, and community organizations. He currently serves on the Board of the Australia-ASEAN Council and is a Director of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

Sir James Plimsoll Lecture
The Sir James Plimsoll Lecture is a prestigious annual event jointly presented by the University of Tasmania, the Australian Institute of International Affairs, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Named in honour of Sir James Plimsoll, a distinguished diplomat in Australia's history, the lecture series was established in 2005 to feature influential figures in the field of international relations, both from Australia and beyond.

Partners
This event is programmed in collaboration with the Australian Institute of International Affairs, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the University of Tasmania.

Parking
Free parking is available at the venue.

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