Sir Robert Menzies 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.
| Year | Title | Presenter | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Menzies’ Idea of A University | Allan Myers AC QC | |
| 2016 | Preparing global citizens and protecting freedom of speech: the role of universities | Baroness Valerie Amos CH | Video Transcript |
| 2015 | Australia - a knowledge future? | Ian Young | Transcript |
| 2014 16 Sep | A Life In Science (and Art) | Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, FRS Venue: Auditorium, The Melbourne Brain Centre, Kenneth Myer Building | Transcript |
| 2013 6 Nov | Higher Education: a Perspective from University College Dublin | Dr Hugh Brady, President & Chief Officer, University College Dublin Venue: Auditorium, Melba Hall | Transcript |
| 2012 23 Oct | Menzies, Whitlam, and Social Justice: A View from The Academy. | Professor Janice Reid AM, Vice-Chancellor, University of Western Sydney. Venue: Auditorium, The Melbourne Brain Centre | Transcript |
| 2011 | 2011 Sir Robert Menzies Oration on Higher Education | Emeritus Professor Sally Walker AM Venue: Melba Hall, The University of Melbourne. | Transcript |
| 2010 12 Oct | Willing to Try: the introduction of the Melbourne Model | Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Melbourne Venue: Melba Hall, The University of Melbourne. | Transcript |
| 2009 27 Oct | Universities: the Foundation of Civil and Successful Societies | Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins AO, Former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences | Transcript |
| 2008 6 Nov | The Challenge for Universities in the Education Revolutio | The Hon Julia Gillard PM, Prime Minister, Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Minister for Social Inclusion | Transcript |
| 2007 23 Oct | Education: Vision and Reality | Professor Arthur K C Li, Former Secretary for Education and Manpower Hong Kong SAR Government | Transcript |
| 2006 11 Jul | Undergraduate Education: What Good Is It? An International Perspective | Professor James Wilkinson, Director of the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University | Transcript |
| 2005 19 Oct | Faces in the Crowd? The 'Melbourne Experience' past, present, future. | Professor Peter McPhee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Melbourne | Transcript |
| 2004 15 Sep | Global Health and the Future of Academic Medicine | Professor Stephen Leeder, Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Sydney | Transcript |
| 2003 9 Oct | Some Heretical Ideas about Universities | Professor Alan Gilbert, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne | Transcript |
| 2002 23 Oct | The Research University: an undergraduate challenge | Dr Bernard Shapiro, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University | Transcript |
| 2001 11 Oct | The Research-led University - Reflections from New Zealand | Dr John Hood, Vice-Chancellor, University of Auckland | Transcript |
| 2000 6 Sep | University Partnerships - Sustaining International Competitiveness | Professor Sir Alec Broers, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge | Transcript |
| 1999 29 Oct | Governors, Democracy and the Rule of Law | His Excellency The Honourable Sir Guy S Green KBE, former Governor of Tasmania | Transcript |
| 1998 9 Oct | A Time of Opportunity | Lord Ron Dearing, Chancellor, University of Nottingham | Transcript |