UQ Convocation lecture has diplomatic theme

The Shaping of Australian Diplomacy will be examined at a free University of Queensland Public lecture on Thursday, November 9 at Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, St Lucia at 8pm.

Founding Director of the Australasia Centre of the Asia Society and former diplomat Richard Woolcott AC will be guest speaker at the UQ public lecture.

The lecture will discuss how the future of Australia is becoming more and more closely linked to the political, social and economic development of its neighbours.

The Annual General Meeting of the University's Convocation at 6pm-7pm will precede the lecture. The Convocation comprises all graduates of The University of Queensland and the former Queensland Agricultural College (now UQ Gatton).

Mr Woolcott's distinguished career posts as a diplomat included being Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia (1975-78) and to the United Nations (1982-88), where he represented Australia on the Security Council (1985-86).

Mr Woolcott was Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1988-92) and Australia's Special Envoy charged with bringing the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Forum (APEC) to fruition.

He is a Director of three companies in East Asia and consultant to a number of Australian companies. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1985 and a Companion of the Order in 1993.

Enquiries to Dr Stephen Papas, Warden of Convocation, Telephone (07) 3365 1705, Fax (07) 3365 1740, Email stephenpapas@hotmail.com