Annual Report 1999

The Menzies Oration on Higher Education

Sir Robert considered that his contribution to the development of Universities might prove to be amongst the most lasting of his achievements for Australia. In recognition of this vision and in order to strengthen the role of higher education in Australia, the University of Melbourne and the Foundation established in 1991 the Sir Robert Menzies Oration on Higher Education.

The theme for the Oration is higher education policy and practice in Australia both in view of its national importance and also because of Sir Robert's attachment to both the extension of higher education and the wise development of it. The intention is for each Oration to be a contribution to intellectual debate in Australia. Publication of each Oration is also an objective.

Previous Menzies Orators have been:
1991 Professor David Penington The University of Melbourne
1992 Professor Emeritus Peter Karmel Australian National University
1993 Professor Henry Rosovsky Harvard University
1994 The Honourable Nick Greiner
1995 Professor Brian Wilson The University of Queensland
1996 Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland The University of Edinburgh
1997 Professor Wang Gungwu The National University of Singapore
1998 Lord Dearing The University of Nottingham

The Oration is presented annually at the University of Melbourne in conjunction with a higher degree graduation ceremony. The choice of this University as the venue for the Oration recognises the eminent role played by Sir Robert as its Chancellor from 1967 to 1972 and a Menzies Foundation medal, specially struck by the Royal Australian Mint, is presented to each Orator.
The eighth Oration entitled "Governors, Democracy and the Rule of Law" was delivered on 29 October, 1999 by the Honourable Sir Guy Green, Governor of Tasmania and Chief Justice of Tasmania from 1973 to 1995. Through presentations and publications, Sir Guy has strongly defended judicial independence, the principles involved and the related questions of responsibility of courts for their own administration and their relationship with the Executive Government.

The Foundation was represented by its Chairman, the Honourable Sir Daryl Dawson and by Mr Alex Menzies, grandson of Sir Robert, who presented the Menzies Foundation Medal to Sir Guy.
Prof Alan Gilbert, Sir Guy Green and Sir Edward Woodward
The 1999 Orator, His Excellency, the Honourable Sir Guy Green, Governor of Tasmania (centre), with the Honourable Sir Edward Woodward, Chancellor, the University of Melbourne (right) and Professor Alan Gilbert, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Melbourne