2Z04 Australian Parliament – Present and Future

Tutor/Facilitator Alan Thompson

When
Date: on/from Tue 24 Mar 2026 to Tue 24 Mar 2026
Frequency: Single Event
Class time: 12:45-2:00

Delivered F2F

Where
Mary Kehoe Centre, Room 2

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Other information

Australian Parliament, Present and Future talk:
To quote Winston Churchill “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried” ….and for Australians, our parliament is the centrepiece of our democracy.
Alan’s talk on 24 March builds on his experience in senior roles in diverse governments, and at Parliament House in Canberra. The talk will outline how the current parliament operates (including strengths and weaknesses) and also identifies some likely future challenges. The talk concludes with a free-ranging Q and A session.
Special note: In early Feb 2026 Alan gave a presentation to CoPP members about the history and development of the Australian Parliament, and its magnificent new home. In contrast, the talk on 24 March will be future-focussed, and new attendees will be welcome.

REQUIREMENTS: An interest in Australian democracy and/or Australian history.

TUTOR: Alan Thompson trained as a civil engineer and initially worked on projects in PNG, north Wales and Victoria. In the mid-1980s Alan moved into senior executive roles within government, and was CEO of government departments in Victoria, ACT, New Zealand and for the Australian Parliament. Alan is now retired from full-time roles but continues to be involved in a think tank focussing on national affairs. Alan is now resident of Port Melbourne and is active in local community affairs. Alan’s interest in the Australian Parliament is based substantially on his time working “on the hill” (which was in the era of Rudd and Gillard governments).

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