Kenneth Myer Lecture

Established in 1990, the Kenneth Myer Lecture invites an eminent Australian to make a significant statement on a broad subject of interest to them.

The Lecture is named for Kenneth Baillieu Myer AC who was Chairman of the National Library Council from 1972 to 1982 and a long-time friend of the Library.

Kenneth Myer lectures

Professor Glyn Davis, 2023

• 2023 Kenneth Myer lecture (video and transcript)

Professor Megan Davis, 2022

• 2022 Kenneth Myer lecture (video and transcript)

Professor Peter Greste, 2019

• Press Freedom in Australia and Why it is in Crisis (transcript)
• Press Freedom in Australia and Why it is in Crisis (audio)

Laura Tingle, 2018

• Leaders and Followers (transcript)
• Leaders and Followers (audio)

Anne Summers AO, 2017

• 20/20 Vision: Where is Australia Headed? (transcript)
• 20/20 Vision: Where is Australia Headed? (audio)

Kim Williams AM, 2016

• Holding to True North (transcript)
• Holding to True North (audio)

Professor Mick Dodson AM, 2015

• Promoting Positive Change in Australia (transcript)
• Promoting Positive Change in Australia (audio)

Professor Brian Schmidt, 2014

• Science and Society: Exploring the Role of Research in Australian Lives (transcript)
• Science and Society: Exploring the Role of Research in Australian Lives (audio)

Professor Julian Disney, 2013

• Media standards in an Internet World (audio)

Kerry O'Brien, 2012

• In an age awash with information, how easily we forget the past (audio)

Hugh Mackay, 2011

• Why Did I Do That? A Fresh Look at the Psychology of Human Motivation (audio)

Maggie Beer, 2010

• A Woman for All Seasons (audio)

Professor Ian Frazer, 2009

• Personalised medicine and social responsibility: a prescription for health in the 21st century? (audio)

Professor Tim Flannery, 2008

• Climate Change: an update to July 2008 (audio)

Michelle Grattan AO, 2007

• Is Politics Still a Vocation? (transcript)

Geoffrey Robertson QC, 2006

• Crimes Against Humanity – International Affairs Post Iraq (audio)

Tim Costello AO, 2005

• The Seeds of Change: Serendipity and Social Movements (transcript)

Harry Seidler AC, OBE, 2004

• Modernism’s Legacy and Future (audio)

Professor Fiona Stanley, 2003

• Before the bough breaks: children in contemporary Australia (transcript and presentation)

The Hon. Fred Chaney AO, 2002

• Achieving A Fairer Australia (transcript)
• Achieving A Fairer Australia (audio)

Professor Peter Doherty, 2001

• We know what we are, but what may we become? (transcript)

Sir Gustav Nossal, 2000

• Reconciliation at the Crossroads: Some Millennial Perspectives (transcript)

Jillian Broadbent, 1999

• Efficiency but not Equality? (transcript)