Former PM returns to geopolitics at annual lecture

Former Prime Minster of Australia the Honourable Julia Gillard AC will discuss with a panel of University of Adelaide experts how the rapidly changing geopolitical environment and rise of disinformation is impacting Australia at her annual public lecture.

This year’s Julia Gillard Public Lecture, on Thursday, 23 October, will feature a panel of experts including Professor Joanne Wallis, Professor of International Security from the School of Social Sciences, Professor Tim Legrand, Professor of International Security from the Department of Politics and International Relations and Professor Anton Van Den Hengel, Chief Scientist from the Australian Institute for Machine Learning.

Former Prime Minister Gillard will lead the discussion about geopolitics, which will touch on topics such as international trade, diplomacy and aid as well as disinformation and ways to combat the problem.

“I always enjoy returning to the University of Adelaide, where I began my tertiary studies, for the annual lecture. It feels particularly poignant this year, as the University stands on the cusp of the greatest change in its 150-year history,” said Ms Gillard.

“The merger with the University of South Australia to create Adelaide University is happening in the midst of a rapidly changing world. There are many challenges we face today; rising nationalism and geopolitical tensions, war, worsening climate, the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, to name just a few.

“I look forward to discussing these challenges, and how Australia can best navigate them, with three exceptional University of Adelaide experts.”

Professor Wallis says this year’s lecture is the ideal format to explore the nation’s relationship with its Pacific neighbours.

“The geopolitical environment in the Pacific Islands is changing and Australia must prioritise the region in our foreign and strategic planning to strengthen our ties with our close neighbours," said Professor Wallis.

“This is such an important and rapidly changing topic and one that I’m excited to explore with Former Prime Minister Gillard and the rest of the panel members.”

The annual Julia Gillard Public Lecture has previously covered topics such as artificial intelligence, the impact of early childhood education on life outcomes of South Australians and women’s participation in politics.

Professor Jessica Gallagher, University of Adelaide Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement, said it is a privilege to welcome the Former Prime Minister back to our Campus.  

“Throughout her career, Julia Gillard has shaped and delivered nation-changing policies and initiatives that have significantly strengthened Australia’s global profile and alliances with other countries," said Professor Gallagher.

“We are living in a new era of global relations and realities. I’m looking forward to hearing Ms Gillard's insights on the current state of geopolitics during her annual lecture.”

The 2025 Julia Gillard Public Lecture will take place on Thursday 23 October at Bonython Hall on the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus.

The event is fully booked but those who wish to attend can visit Humanitix to join the waitlist. A recording will be available online after the event.