Reading time: 2 minutes
On a memorable evening on Thursday 1st October, the Library was delighted to host the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library Anniversary Lecture given by Mr Troy Bramston. This annual event is a significant occasion on the Curtin calendar, and this year’s lecture was received warmly by the 130 guests in attendance, including members of the Curtin family, Vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne, Chancellor Mr David Lock and Mr Barry McGuire, who gave his Welcome to Country with words and song.
Troy Bramston is a journalist, author and biographer who, in his own words, is ‘fascinated by leadership’. He has authored and co-authored twelve books on politics and the lives of Australian prime ministers, undertaking extensive research in archival collections which provided a rich trove of material for his lecture. In keeping with his theme of leadership, politics and power, Troy identified characteristics that distinguish leaders, aligning these with the particular qualities John Curtin exemplified in responding to the demands of war time leadership, describing how Curtin the unlikely leader succeeded, by uniting the Labor party, galvanising Australians to support the war effort, and establishing the foundations of Australia’s post-war prosperity.
While Curtin was accomplished and combative in the political arena, he treated his opponents with courtesy and respect. In the process of his research, Troy has examined oral histories and interviewed the family members of Curtin’s contemporaries. Using these sources, Troy spoke of the remarkable friendships that existed between Curtin and his counterparts, and the regard in which Curtin was held across the political divide, despite his personal flaws.
Troy’s lecture provided a valuable glimpse into the character of Curtin, the esteemed leader who led the nation through difficult times and could so easily have been forgotten.
His life and legacy should continue to inspire us. John Curtin deserves to be remembered and respected as a wartime prime minister and as an architect of post-war reconstruction.
Thank you to all who attended, Library staff who assisted on the day, and the wonderful Curtin Events team for their support in arranging such an enjoyable event.
Missed the lecture or want to listen again?
Written by Sally Laming, Library Special Collections Coordinator
