Leading Melbourne lawyer and human rights advocate Julian Burnside QC was guest speaker at the second annual Barry Jones Oration, at Werribee Mansion on Wednesday.
The Wyndham council event attracted 120 people including business leaders, councillors and retired members of parliament including former premier Steve Bracks and Keating Government treasurer Ralph Willis.
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Mr Burnside spoke about Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers and the lack of truth and political leadership on the issue from both sides of politics since the late 1990s.
Councillor Intaj Khan said the Barry Jones Oration aims to raise the profile and importance of learning and skills development, innovation, creativity and technology in Wyndham City while honouring the former MP for Lalor.
“Each year a high profile speaker is honoured by being invited to speak at an annual oration, named in honour of the life work of Barry Jones,” Cr Khan said.
“A ‘Living National Treasure’, former Minister for Science and Technology, Officer of the Order of Australia, quiz champion and author – Barry Jones has achieved so much in his career and we have named this oration in his honour.”
