The Honourable Julia Gillard AC was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) by the University of Sydney on October 15, 2023. The former Prime Minister received this prestigious recognition during a ceremony acknowledging her significant contributions to law, politics, and her ongoing commitment to education, mental health, and leadership, which have had a profound impact on Australian society.
The ceremony featured remarks from Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, who praised Gillard’s dedication to improving educational outcomes. “Today we pay tribute to Julia’s lifelong contribution to improving education outcomes for students of all ages,” Professor Scott stated. He highlighted her role in establishing national benchmarks that continue to shape the educational landscape in Australia.
In her address, Gillard conveyed her heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. “I feel honoured to share this occasion with you and to be recognised by Australia’s oldest university, an academic community which has always aspired to pursue – as your motto says – the same learning under new stars,” she remarked. Gillard emphasized the importance of adapting the rich traditions of esteemed institutions to fit the needs of Australia.
Born in Wales, Gillard emigrated to Adelaide in 1966. She began her studies at the University of Adelaide before transferring to the University of Melbourne. In 1983, she became President of the Australian Union of Students, marking the start of her lifelong dedication to leadership and advocacy. After earning degrees in Arts and Laws, Gillard joined Slater and Gordon, where she specialized in employment law and became a partner by age 29.
In 1996, Gillard entered politics, initially serving as chief of staff to John Brumby, then the Victorian opposition leader. Two years later, she was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Lalor. Her parliamentary career was characterized by a strong commitment to social justice and reform. She held key shadow portfolios before ascending to the role of deputy leader of the Australian Labor Party in 2006.
Following Labor’s significant victory in 2007, Gillard became Australia’s first female deputy prime minister and minister for education, employment, and workplace relations. During her tenure, she implemented numerous reforms, including the national curriculum and the My School website. Her commitment to equity in education led to the launch of the Digital Education Revolution program, which allocated substantial resources to schools, and the Building the Education Revolution program, which received funding of $16 billion for school refurbishments.
On June 24, 2010, Gillard was sworn in as the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, making history as the first woman to hold the position. Her leadership during the global financial crisis was crucial in safeguarding the Australian economy. Additionally, her government introduced transformative reforms in education, healthcare, disability support, and climate policy.
Gillard’s advocacy for sustainability included the opening of the University of Sydney’s Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, aimed at addressing regional food security and environmental challenges. She also initiated the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and commenced the construction of the National Broadband Network.
Gillard is perhaps most notably remembered for her 2012 speech confronting sexism and misogyny, which garnered international attention and highlighted the challenges faced by women in leadership roles. Currently, she serves as the inaugural chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, promoting inclusive and equitable leadership globally.
Throughout her post-political career, Gillard has maintained her dedication to education and public service. She chaired the Global Partnership for Education from 2014 to 2021, focusing on expanding access to quality education worldwide. Additionally, she is the patron of the Campaign for Female Education, advocating for girls’ access to education and empowering young women to become community leaders.
From 2017 to 2023, Gillard chaired Beyond Blue, Australia’s leading mental health awareness organization, and has been chair of Wellcome, a global charitable foundation supporting urgent health challenges, since 2021. She is a Distinguished Fellow at the Brookings Institution and an Honorary Professor at the University of Adelaide. In 2017, she was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia, recognizing her significant contributions to the nation.
The University of Sydney’s recognition of Julia Gillard underscores her exemplary commitment to education and public service, marking a significant moment in the celebration of her enduring legacy.
