The Australian Institute of International Affairs of WA ( AIIA WA), in partnership with the Minerals Council of Australia, is pleased to announce that our special guest speaker for our Christmas event on 5 December 2024 will be John McCarthy AO FAIIA who will deliver a thought-provoking speech about Australia's relations with Asia.
John has been Australia's ambassador to Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, the United States, Indonesia and Japan, a High Commissioner to India, a senior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a National President of the AIIA. He has been a central figure in Australia's foreign policy community with deep personal experience in the navigation of Australia's relations in the region spanning more than half a century.
This will be a rare opportunity to hear one of Australia's most knowledgeable diplomats, talking from personal experience in developing strategy and working with the day-to-day issues of policy creation and management. One area of focus will be his experience as Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia from 1997-2001. This was a period of significant change in that country and the region. In 1999, East Timor held a referendum for independence that was followed by conflict and intervention by the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) led by Australia. This year marks INTEFET's 25th anniversary.
Reflecting on his journey, John will also provide his views on Australia's critical policy choices in Asia in this challenging time in world affairs, often described as the most difficult since the end of the Second World War.
The University Club of Western Australia
Auditorium
Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Join us in the UWA Club Colonnade for our Annual Christmas Party with drinks and canapés following John McCarthy's presentation.
Christmas Party tickets include a complimentary drink on arrival, and cocktail food and drinks following the presentation.
Presentation Only tickets include a complimentary drink on arrival, however this ticket does not include entry to the Christmas Party.
Member Ticket Presentation and Party - $65
Non Member Ticket Presentation and Party - $80
Member Ticket (Presentation Only) - $15
Non Member Ticket (Presentation Only) - $30
Welcome drinks from 5:30pm for a 6pm presentation start.
There will be a complimentary drink on arrival, and cocktail food and drinks following the presentation.
Welcome drinks from 5:30pm for a 6pm presentation start.
There will be a complimentary drink on arrival. This ticket does not include entry to the Christmas Party.
Welcome drinks from 5:30pm for a 6pm presentation start.
There will be a complimentary drink on arrival. This ticket does not include entry to the Christmas Party.
Welcome drinks from 5:30pm for a 6pm presentation start.
There will be a complimentary drink on arrival, and cocktail food and drinks following the presentation.
The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation seeking to promote interest in and understanding of international affairs in Australia.
The WA Branch of the AIIA was founded in 1947 by Professor Fred Alexander of the University of WA, who became its first President. Like the earlier established branches in the other Australian states, the WA Branch was modelled on the British Royal Institute of International Affairs, based at Chatham House in London.
The WA Branch has maintained a steady membership, including many prominent West Australian and national leaders. Successive State Governors have served as the Branch's Official Visitor. The aim of the institute is to be an independent and non-political body that facilitates and encourages the study and debate of international questions.
Membership fees includes a subscription to The Australian Journal of International Affairs as well as two tickets at the member price to each of our our monthly meetings where you will learn about developments in international affairs of concern to the people of Western Australia. We rely on membership contributions and sponsorship of special events to keep our association running: we receive no core funding from government.