The enduring legacy of Henry Parkes

Her Excellency Professor Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, Patron of the Foundation and 2014 orator

12th Henry Parkes Oration.
Her Excellency Professor Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO,
Governor of New South Wales
Friday 25 July 2014. Government House, Sydney

The 12th Henry Parkes Oration was delivered by Her Excellency the Governor, focusing on Parkes the man and his achievements.

“Modern Australia, often described as “the lucky country”, or “the happy country”, can attribute, I believe, these valid descriptions to the vision, the energy and the inspirational leadership of Henry Parkes. Many of those characteristics for which Australians are renowned across the world – egalitarianism, the rewards of integrity, access to education, fine health services, and working towards the common good – can find these ideals in an examination of the example and leadership of Henry Parkes.”

Download the full text as a PDF.

The Oration was broadcast on the ABC’s Big Ideas program on 28 October 2014. Listen on the ABC website.