About the oration
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.
History
- 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.
Orations were not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the event
The Irene Longman Oration is an invite-only event, exclusive to IPAA individual members and select guests.
After the oration, guests will have an opportunity to network.
EVent gallery
