Speeches archive
In 2002 The Page Research Centre took over the
responsibilities of the Sir Earle Page Memorial Trust. Between 1984 and 1999
the trust held a series of lectures, delivered by prominent Australians, on
issues of regional importance and on the life of Sir Earle Page.
Copies of these speeches have been kept as many of the
questions and ideas that were raised are still relevant.
The centre plans to continue holding public lectures, to
raise awareness on a range of issues facing regional Australia. Transcripts of new lectures and addresses will be posted on the Speeches page.
On
Sir Earle Page
Title: Statesman, humanitarian, patriot
Summary: Sir Earle Page committed his life to
public service. His adaptability and strong work ethic, values encouraged by
his large family, defined his careers as a surgeon, farmer and politician of
forty-two years.
Details: Donald Page, Jubilee Room, State Parliament, Sydney, 25 November 1993
Title: Earle Page: the politician and the man
Summary: An extensive account of the life of Sir Earle Page. From a surgeon to a dairy
farmer to a politician of forty two years; Sir Page was an innovator and leader
in all aspects of his life.
Details: Associate Professor Carl
Bridge, Earle Page College Thirtieth Anniversary Series, University of New England,
Armidale, 9 March 1993
Title: A great Australian
Summary: Sir Earle Page was committed to
representing and serving regional Australia. He worked as a surgeon, farmer and
politician and in each role developed new ways to improve the lifestyles of the
people he represented.
Details: Stephen D Kensey, St John's College, the University of Sydney, 13 September 1990
On issues of the day
Title: Trade: a great wealth creator
Summary: The past, present and future of
Australian trade agreements. Australia should enjoy the benefits of increasing
trade liberalisation and developing partnerships with countries throughout the
world.
Details: The Hon. Mark Vaile MP, Minister for Trade and Deputy Leader of the
National Party, Page Research Centre lecture, Sydney, 7 July 2003
Title: The future of tropical Australia
Summary: Should tropical or northern
Australia be developed? Some people argue for population growth and industrial
development, while others believe environmental protection and land rights
recognition should be the future focus.
Details: Professor Geoffrey Blainey, Sir Earle Page memorial trust lecture, Sydney, 8 September 1999
Title: Australia already has an Australian Head of State
Summary: There are many reasons that the 1999
referendum for a republic was not passed. Australia already had a Head of
State, was independent of Britain and an elected president would have played the same
role as the Governor-General.
Details: Sir David Smith, thirteenth annual Sir Earle Page memorial trust lecture, Parliament House,
Sydney, 14 October 1998
Title: Who do judges think they are?
Summary: The judiciary must always be
independent and accountable to the public; however, there is the potential for
judges to adopt new ideas and practices to reflect the present.
Details: The Hon. Justice Murray Gleeson, Chief Justice of NSW, Sir Earle Page memorial trust lecture, Sydney, 21 October 1998
Title: University education and policies
Summary: The University of New England, the
first in Northern NSW, was pioneered by Sir Earle Page. Sir Cowen relates the
university’s history and the changes he brought about over several years as
vice-chancellor.
Details: The Rt. Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen, Sir Earle Page memorial trust lecture, Sydney, 25 September 1996
Title: Who wants power?
Summary: Decisions made by leaders are often
guided by a desire to gain or maintain power. Individuals and governments
elected to office must recognise that they represent the people, not their own personal agenda.
Details: Dame Leonie Kramer, Sir Earle Page memorial trust lecture, Sydney, 23 November 1995
Title: The expansion of international law—sovereignty and external
affairs
Summary: As countries become increasingly connected,
issues arise with international law. Agreements and treatise between countries can
impose new restrictions or laws on the public and this poses a threat to
democratic rule.
Details: The Rt. Hon. Sir Ninian Stephen, Sir Earle Page memorial trust lecture, Sydney, 15 September 1994
Title: Of politics, judges and crown
Summary: Sir Earle Page made a significant
contribution to federal politics. Mr Kirby believes Sir Page would have been
concerned by the current lessening of judicial independence and the calls for a
republic.
Description: The Hon. Justice Michael
Kirby, Jubilee Room, State Parliament, Sydney, 25 November 1993
Title: Standards of the media
Summary: Journalists are expected to produce
sensationalised content in short time frames, with a focus on making sales. This
has caused a decline in the accuracy and honesty of media sources. To prevent
this, stricter editorial and management standards need to be implemented.
Details: The Hon. Nicholas Greiner, St John's College, the University of Sydney, 10 December 1992
Title: Australia and the world: immigration and its consequences
Summary: Because Australia is sparsely
populated and rich in resources, people from foreign countries will
increasingly want to migrate here. Increasing Australia’s population is
important; however, rigorous immigration rules should determine who is allowed
to enter.
Details: Hugh Morgan, St John's College, the University of Sydney, 28 November 1991
Title: Freedoms and liberties
Summary: Nearly all new legislation takes from individual freedoms and liberties in some way. In many cases altering or creating legislation
is necessary; however, there are examples of ineffective government policies that unnecessarily reduce the rights of individuals.
Details: Roger Gyles, St John's College, the University of Sydney, 13 September 1990
Title: The press and politics
Summary: Newspapers are the best medium to
deliver honest information to the public. Mr Fairfax believes journalists
should reflect the views of a community and not be influenced by politicians or
business leaders.
Details: John B Fairfax, St John's College, the University of Sydney, 14 September 1989
Title: Back to basics
Summary: The National Party should adapt its
policies, to be more effective in
opposition and if the party is elected. The Nationals should support increased
powers for smaller governments, decentralising the bureaucracy and limiting
regulation.
Details: Senator John Stone, Shadow Minister for Finance and Leader of the
National Party in the Senate, St John's College, the University of Sydney, 3 December 1987
Title: The challenge to the National Party
Summary: The National Party has a rich history of representing regional Australia. Moving
forward, the party should promote a greater sense of nationalist pride and push
for the restructuring of the bureaucracy.
Details: The Rt Hon. Ian Sinclair, Federal Leader of the Parliamentary
National Party, St John's College, the University of Sydney, 7 August 1986
Title: Equality and Australia’s future
Summary: The rights of Australians are
considered some of the best protected in the world, despite a formal Bill of
Rights. These freedoms can be further developed and protected through targeted
legislation, rather than a broad recognition of rights.
Details: Lauchlan Chipman, the Great Hall, the University of Sydney, 1 November 1984
Title: Prudential control over the banking system: failure or
success
Summary: An overview of the history and role
of the Reserve Bank of Australia. The RBA should be democratised and made to
justify policy decisions to the public. Furthermore, the rules governing
non-banking financial institutions should have a national standard.
Details: Address by Graeme Lavis (Senior), Sydney, November 1993
Title: North, South, East and West: Australia's trade relations
with Europe
Summary: Australia needs to be more proactive
in pursuing foreign trade opportunities. This is illustrated through a
historical overview of Australia’s trade relations with the European Community
and other regions.
Details: Senator David Brownhill, Canberra, September 1993
Title: Opportunities in Joint Sector Development in the NSW health
industry
Summary: Joint sector development will allow
health institutions to be privately operated and with the same standards as a
public facility. This is the most effective way to deliver health care to the
regions of NSW.
Details: Wendy Machin, Canberra, August 1993
Title: Vietnam
Summary: Vietnam has the potential to become
an effective trading partner with Australia. However, this relationship should
be developed gradually. Other countries such as Singapore do not see Australia
as an important trading partner, a problem that needs to be addressed
Details: Graeme Lavis (senior), Sydney, 1993