Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration
Courageous, ceaseless, clever, compassionate - over many years, and in many theatres, The Hon. Joan Kirner AC fought for community, equality and social justice.
Joan was perhaps best known for her work as the front-woman for the grassroots campaign for educational reform in Victoria in the 1970s, and later as that state's first female Premier. She was also prominent in the nation-changing struggles for social inclusion, women's equality, environmental protection, and community-driven community development.
Having played an integral role in the development of the social fabric of Australia, Joan remained to her final days an enduring community activist and champion for the forgotten and the downtrodden.
The Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration was first delivered in 2011 and continues today.
Every year at the Communities in Control conference, a different community leader is invited to speak at length on a topic which is important to Australian society. Each speaker brings their unique perspective and passion.
Please enjoy the following Joan Kirner Social Justice Orations, each a highlight of the Communities in Control conference at which it was delivered.
We're excited to announce that the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek MP, will present this year's Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration at Communities in Control.
Tanya Plibersek is the Minister for the Environment and Water, and the federal member for Sydney.
Between 2013 and 2019, Tanya was deputy leader of the Opposition and deputy leader of the federal parliamentary Labor Party. From 2013 to 2016, she was also the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development. From 2017 to 2022, Tanya was the Shadow Minister for Education and the Shadow Minister for Women.
Tanya served as a Cabinet minister in the Gillard and Rudd governments, being Minister for Health, Minister for Health and Medical Research, Minister for Housing, Minister for Human Services, Minister for Social Inclusion, and Minister for the Status of Women.
The 2024 Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration will be streamed live and free at 6pm AEST on Thursday, 23 May. All who register for one (or more) of the other 5 session at Communities in Control will receive a link in the lead-up to the event. Details on the 5 other speakers can be found below.
If you'd like to just attend Tanya's session, you can also submit your details by clicking the button below.