Media releases

Renowned media executive and chair of the ABC, Kim Williams AM, will be in Ballarat on Wednesday 30 October to deliver a though-provoking speech on the importance of clarity, transparency, trust and accountability in leadership in an era of misinformation, propaganda and sensationalism. 

A former Chief Executive of News Corp Australia, FOXTEL, Fox Studios Australia, the Australian Film Commission, Southern Star Entertainment and Music Viva Australia, Williams is the guest orator at this year’s Menzies Oration - an annual event delivered by The Menzies Foundation – which will be hosted by Federation University Australia for the third consecutive year. 

The livestreamed event titled Intersection of Leadership and Truth Williams will delve into the vital connection between leadership and truth, shedding light on how these elements shape the fabric of Australian leadership and public perception. He will share his extensive insights and experiences, highlighting the essential qualities that underpin effective and ethical leadership in the 21st Century. 

Liz Gillies from the Menzies Foundation will host the event, Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley serving as the Master of Ceremonies.  

The Menzies Oration is free to the public and will take place at the Emerging Technologies Hub at Federation’s SMB Campus on Wednesday October 30 from 6:00pm.  

The session can also be viewed online, and tickets are available on the Eventbrite by searching for ‘Menzies Oration’ or via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/menzies-oration-intersection-of-leadership-and-truth-kim-williams-am-tickets-1014287670727 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley 

“It is exciting to be hosting the Menzies Oration at Federation University again this year, where we will be setting the stage for Kim Williams to share his expertise in the media landscape, detailing his extensive insights and experiences that mould quality leadership in an era where it is challenging to cut through misinformation.” 

“We are privileged to have Kim’s important voice at the event this year, who has been a longstanding figure in the media, with diverse knowledge of what it takes to be a good leader.” 

Quotes attributable to Menzies Foundation CEO Liz Gillies 

“As we navigate an era where truth is increasingly clouded by misinformation, the importance of trust and accountability in leadership has never been more critical.” 

“The 2024 Menzies Oration will offer a powerful exploration of the nexus between leadership and truth, and we are honoured to have Kim Williams AM share his perspectives on how our response to this challenge will shape our society now and into an uncertain future.” 

Quotes attributable to Chair of the ABC, AM Kim Williams  

“It is a real honour to deliver the 2024 Menzies Oration. Named after one of the titans of Australian political leadership and history, the oration gives one time to reflect on issues that matter in the contemporary settings of Australian public life and discourse.” 

“Sir Robert Menzies was a dauntingly fine orator matched by few others. He set a standard that demands real effort on the part of all who deliver the annual Menzies oration to meet.” 

“In my own instance I intend to tackle the subject of the inextricable link between leadership and truth as the foundation stone of a good society and the base from which effective public policy and resilient institutions, core pillars to our democracy, follow.”