What does the record and legacy of the Fraser Government mean for today's Australia? After he left office, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser's record came under attack from both sides of politics. The record of his government has been overshadowed by the Dismissal.
Now, 50 years after he was elected in a landslide, a two-day seminar will investigate whether Mr Fraser was, as some claim, a "true liberal". Politicians, journalists, academics and community activists review and critique his record across human rights, foreign affairs, Indigenous affairs, the economy and more.
True Liberal? The record and legacy of the Fraser Government, 1975-1983 is co-hosted by the University of Melbourne Archives and Special Collections and Trinity College, on 12-13 December at Trinity College, Parkville.
The symposium will examine Mr Fraser's tenure across ten thematic areas, including his leadership style, the nature of modern liberalism, Australia's international role, refugee and migration policy, economic management, Indigenous affairs, human rights, the public service, constitutional reform and national culture.
Speakers include:
- Professor Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita (Constitutional Law) University of Sydney
- Senator Sarah Henderson
- Fred Chaney AO, Minister in the Fraser government
- Glyn Davis AC, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Dr Denis White, former advisor and Director of the Prime Minister's Office
- Professor Jenny George, Dean, Melbourne Business School
- George Brandis KC, former Attorney-General for Australia
- Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM, founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
The symposium will also include the Fraser Oration, delivered by former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clarke on the topic: The United Nations – is it relevant after 80 years? A prescription for change.
Dr Margaret Simons, University of Melbourne Honorary and co-author of Malcolm Fraser: The Political Memoirs, says the symposium addresses a critical blind spot in Australian political history.
"The means by which the Fraser Government came to power has been comprehensively examined," Dr Simons said.
"Few have turned their attention to what the government actually did. At this time in our national politics, the record and legacy of this Liberal and liberal leader is crying out for examination and reassessment."
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement, said: "The symposium on the legacy and record of the Fraser government is a timely opportunity to discuss the development of liberal political philosophy and policy.
"The Malcolm Fraser Collection at the University of Melbourne Archives is a unique source on Australia's political history and has been invaluable for contemporary reassessment of the Fraser years."
