Kevin Rudd presents annual lecture at UQ

The University of Queensland recently welcomed Australian Foreign Minister, The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP as guest speaker at an annual lecture in politics and international affairs.

Held at the UQ Centre, Mr Rudd addressed an audience of more than 400 staff and students to discuss Australia’s role in the G20. He warned about the need for Europe to clean up its sovereign debt, saying Australia will push hard to ensure G20 leaders deal decisively with issue at a critical summit in November.

Mr Rudd said the G20 had prevented the 2008–2009 global recession from becoming a full-blown depression and called on leaders to “deliver big” when they meet on the French Riviera.

"The times are pressing and action is needed. It is imperative that the world succeeds at Cannes. Australia, for its part, will be throwing everything at it," he said.

After the lecture, Mr Rudd was swamped by UQ political science and international studies students – including members of the United Nations Students Association – who were keen to engage with the Minister and hear more from him on this topic.

Professor Tim Dunne from the the School of Political Science and International Studies thanked Mr Rudd for his address.

“As a school we are delighted that the Minister found time in his busy schedule to come to UQ and deliver the second Annual Lecture in Political Science and International Studies.

“He showed once again the power of scholars and practitioners working together to resolve significant economic and security challenges that lie ahead."

A live recording of the lecture will be available soon on the School of Political Science and International Studies website.

Media: Naomi Smith (07 3365 3346, naomi.smith@uq.edu.au)