The John Menadue Oration is the Centre for Policy Development’s flagship public event.
It is named in honour of our founding Chair John Menadue AO who served as Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet for Prime Ministers Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser, as Australia’s Ambassador to Japan, and as CEO of Qantas.
The Oration provides a stage for global thought leaders to share insights, deliver profound ideas and build ambition for a more equitable and prosperous world.
The inaugural Oration was held in 2017 to celebrate Centre for Policy Development’s 10th anniversary.
It was delivered by former Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, at State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, who addressed the question, “Can Democracy Deliver?”.
In 2018, CPD presented the second Oration at Carriageworks in Sydney, featuring the Italian-American economist Professor Mariana Mazzucato who addressed the question, “Can the State Deliver?”
Professor Mazzucato spoke to over 2000 people in Melbourne and Sydney as part of her tour.
In 2020 Professor Megan Davis delivered the Oration, addressing the question, “Can Australia Deliver?” The 2020 Oration was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023 the John Menadue Oration was held at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne and delivered by Sophie Howe, inaugural Future Generations Commissioner of Wales, who addressed the question, “Can a Wellbeing Economy Deliver?”
The inaugural Future Generations Commissioner of Wales addressed the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne, asking: can a wellbeing economy deliver?
At the second Menadue Oration, held at Carriageworks in Sydney, economist Mariana Mazzucato asked: can the state deliver?
In 2020 Professor Megan Davis, constitutional lawyer and co-author of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, asked: can Australia deliver?
At the inaugural Menadue Oration, held at State Library Victoria, former Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa asked: can democracy deliver?
