The Henry Parkes Foundation was set up in December 1998 by Parkes’ descendants and others, both to honour Sir Henry himself — the man dubbed ‘Father of Federation’ — and to carry forward his egalitarian vision for Australia in ways relevant to today.
The Foundation aims to encourage Australians to find out more about their country’s political and constitutional history, and about how they can participate as citizens. Its activities include an annual oration, with a distinguished speaker focusing on challenging social/political issues in Australian society, with some reference to the ideals and objectives of Parkes.
The Foundation has also sponsored annual citizenship conventions for schools at NSW Parliament House, designed to help students understand how politics affects their lives and how they can be involved. Topics have included whether Australia should become a republic, reconciliation, ‘voting counts’, ‘mobilising for peace’, social justice, and ecological sustainability.
YOU’RE INVITED
2026 Henry Parkes Oration
The Hon. Milton Dick MP:
Trust in the People – the role of civics in a healthy democracy
26 October 2026, 5pm
In partnership with the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, Canberra
Speaker of the House of Representative, the Hon. Milton Dick champions the cause of civics education, arguing that Australians need a better understanding of the institutions that underpin democracy, especially in a world grappling with declining public trust, polarisation and online misinformation.
The Henry Parkes Foundation acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.
We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the From the Heart campaign for a Voice to Parliament enabled by the constitution.
