Julia Gillard: Geelong

Julia Gillard was Australia’s first female prime minister. Much has been said and written (already) about her three years at the top, but now she’s telling her side of the tale.

Her leadership was tumultuous, action-packed and controversial. But as notable as the controversy was her management of a hung parliament and the record amount of legislation passed during her term.

Gillard will tell her story – without shying away from her mistakes or misjudgements. Gillard has always been driven by a sense of purpose: her policy achievements included major education reform and ensuring a dignified future for Australians with disabilities. But that purpose wasn’t always reflected in her policy decisions. She cut funds to education despite her championing of it, refused to budge on gay marriage, and slashed Newstart payments to single parents. And despite leading the way in carbon pricing reform, she failed to sell her scheme to the public.

This is your chance to hear the former prime minister open up about her experiences, with the distance that makes for insightful reflection – and candour. In Geelong, she’ll be in conversation with Andrew Scott.

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