2026 Irene Longman Oration
17th November 2026, 1 William Street
IPAA Queensland’s Irene Longman Oration will return in November 2026. The Oration brings together leaders from across Queensland’s public purpose community for a timely, ideas-driven address from a distinguished speaker, followed by conversation and connection.
About this Event
The IPAA Queensland oration is named in honour of Irene Longman, the first woman elected to the Queensland Parliament (1929-1932) and dedicated public servant to the community for over 30 years. Her values and legacy include the welfare of women, children and people with a disability; establishing the first education opportunity classes; the first women police in Queensland; creating a separate Children’s Court; and for the appointment of an advisory panel in difficult cases of juvenile delinquency.
The oration is an annual flagship event, similar to IPAA National’s Garran Oration (in honour of Sir Robert Garran, the first Commonwealth public servant) and the orations of state and territory IPAAs. The oration’s intent is to honour an individual and their contribution to the field of public administration. It is delivered by a prominent leader who will focus on an relevant aspect of the sector to encourage public interest and contemporary thinking.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The Irene Longman Oration is an invite-only event, exclusive to IPAA individual members and select guests.
HISTORY
Since 2017, the Irene Longman Oration has featured an outstanding range of speakers and themes:
- The 2025 oration, delivered by Professor Brian Head, addressed the theme of Good Policymaking for the Future – does the Public Sector have what it takes?
- Professor Helen Sullivan FIPAA, delivered the 2024 Irene Longman Oration addressing the theme of “Rethinking Collaboration”.
- The 2023 oration, delivered by Ms Rachel Hunter PSM, addressed the theme of Public Servants and Public Policy.
- Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO delivered the oration in 2022, speaking to the topic of Pride and Purpose in Service.
- The 2019 oration titled Democracy Under Threat : How Public Service Can Help Maintain Faith in Democratic Governance, was delivered by Professor Peter Shergold, Chancellor, Western Sydney University and IPAA National President.
- The 2018 oration, delivered by Professor Cordelia Fine, University of Melbourne, addressed the theme of Diversity and Inclusion.
- The inaugural oration in 2017 was delivered by Professor Ken Smith, CEO and Dean of ANZSOG, and addressed the Importance of Trust in Government.
Last year’s keynote was delivered by Professor Brian Head FASSA FIPAA under the theme Good Policymaking for the Future – does the public sector have what it takes? Professor Head provided reflections on navigating global disruption, rapid technological change and rising community expectations. Learn more about the key takeaways from this event in our write-up: Good policymaking for the future – Does the public sector have what it takes?
REGISTER TO ATTEND
Join IPAA Queensland now to receive the latest updates, free and discounted registrations to our flagship events. Find out more on the Membership page and sign-up to our monthly IPAA INSIGHTS now.
Here’s what attendees said about last year’s Oration
Wonderful event. The Oration by Professor Brian Head was highly engaging and interesting, and the food, drinks and networking opportunities were fantastic. An excellent event overall.
Attendee
It was also wonderful to meet so many new people doing great work within the Queensland public sector.
Michaela McElligott, Founder and Managing Director of Professional Resumes Australia
An opportunity to think critically in a broader way, and to share experiences and insights with others grappling with similar challenges across public purpose work.
Attendee
A great way to gain insights into public sector administration, and a genuine opportunity to expand professional networks through meaningful conversation and connection.
Attendee
Click here to view the full 2025 Irene Longman Oration photo gallery