Lecture by Julia Gillard explores childhood education and care

In this year’s Julia Gillard Public Lecture, the former Prime Minister will explore the importance of delivering quality childhood development support in South Australia.

During the event on Tuesday 29 August at the University of Adelaide, the Hon Julia Gillard AC will discuss in person the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care and shed light on her role as Commissioner. The public lecture will be facilitated by renowned journalist Jess Adamson.

Led by Australia’s first female Prime Minister, the Royal Commission listened to the voices of parents and caregivers from diverse backgrounds, experts in early childhood development, service providers to children in the first 1000 days of their lives, leaders of early childhood education and care services, relevant unions, and providers of Out of School Hours Care.

Julia Gillard wrote in her Message from the Commissioner on the opening pages of the Interim Report: “There are around 20,000 children born every year in South Australia; and each year preschool age children move to our State.”

“Each of these children is born with their own unique genetic inheritance into a family with its own dynamics and its dreams for their child’s future. Each child has the right to grow, learn and thrive.

“Since being appointed to lead the Royal Commission in October last year, I have had the privilege of working with an incredibly high-quality Secretariat. I have also had the honour of meeting and hearing from passionate researchers, educators, carers, service providers, families and community members.”

“Each of these children is born with their own unique genetic inheritance into a family with its own dynamics and its dreams for their child’s future. Each child has the right to grow, learn and thrive."The Hon Julia Gillard AC, Australia’s first female Prime Minister

Established in October 2022, the Royal Commission embarked on a journey to determine how South Australia can best support the first 1000 days of children’s lives through improved and expanded education and care services.

The Royal Commission released the findings from its Interim Report in April 2023 and expects to deliver the Final Report in late August.

During the event, Ms Gillard will engage in discussion with Dr Rhiannon Pilkington from the University of Adelaide.

Dr Pilkington is an expert in child protection epidemiology, and represented the University of Adelaide’s BetterStart Health and Development research group along with BetterStart Director Professor John Lynch at the Commission’s hearings.

Julia Gillard was appointed a Visiting Honorary Professorship in 2013. As a part of this Visiting Honorary Professorship, she delivers an annual public lecture at the University.

Registration is essential for this event and places are limited. The Julia Gillard Public Lecture will be live-streamed via the University website at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/live/

When

Tuesday, 29 August, 10.30–11.45 am.

Where

Bonython Hall, North Terrace Campus, The University of Adelaide.

Free tickets

Register for the in-person event.

Watch the event live streamed online.