The James Martin Institute’s inaugural Oration took place on 28 September 2022, hosted by Western Sydney University (WSU). The Oration was delivered by NSW Premier, The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, who gave a Headland Speech on Education.

“Education is the means of turning aspiration into prosperity,” the NSW Premier said in his opening remarks. “It’s the key that unlocks the door of opportunity.”

The Premier presented the government’s new strategy to lift student success and well-being across the state, outlining a new trajectory for education in NSW.

Watch the Premier’s speech here.

The JMI Oration brought together 150 senior policymakers, leaders from government, universities, business, and the community, as well as academic and education experts.

To view Professor Barney Glover’s introduction, click here.

Ahead of the Premier’s speech, Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chair of the James Martin Institute and The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning, discussed the role of experts in policymaking.

“Every Minister I’ve ever met is time poor; the pressure on them is huge.” Peter Shergold AC said. “They need the means to better and more easily access research that can influence their change agenda.”

“The James Martin Institute’s approach is based upon the most fundamental principle of collaboration,” Professor Shergold AC said. “Collaboration to create a means by which academics can partner with ministers, ministerial advisors, and public servants in seeking to find solutions to the manifold challenges that face Australian democratic governance.”

“For us as a government, the bar is set high when it comes to ensuring that we deliver evidence-based policy that we know will have an impact on student outcomes,” Minister Mitchell said.

“The James Martin Institute has been created as an independent and non-partisan policy institute to support public policy informed by the world-leading research undertaken in our universities,” Professor Shergold AC said.

To view Professor Shergold’s welcome address, click here.

To view Minister Mitchell’s opening remarks, click here.

The James Martin Institute Oration is our annual flagship event, where a high-profile speaker addresses key public policy issues facing society. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the next edition. To discuss a sponsorship opportunity, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

The James Martin Institute is deeply thankful to Western Sydney University for hosting this event, and for the continued support of our other partners: NSW Government; University of Sydney; and the University of Technology Sydney.

Photo Credit: Sally Tsoutas