Speaker's Lecture by Holly Rankin: Before the Fall - Can civic institutions engage a new generation in time to save democracy?
26 October 2025
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Special Events Australian Parliament
15:06 - 15:37
Speaker 16
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the speakers' lecture for 2025. My name is Clarissa Surtees, and I'm the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Let me begin by paying my respects to the traditional custodians of the Canberra region. I acknowledge that where we meet today has been the meeting place of the Ngunnawal and Nambri peoples for thousands of years. I also acknowledge the cultures of any aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people present today.
15:39 - 16:12
Speaker 18
The speaker of the house of representatives, the honorable Milton Dick, is here hosting the event, and I acknowledge him and also acknowledge any other honorable members. Of course, I acknowledge to, Holly Rankin who will deliver today's lecture, and the speaker will introduce Herb shortly. The program of business for the house of representatives today means that we're not expecting any interruptions due to the chamber. At least that's the plan. Following the lecture, there'll be an opportunity for questions.
16:13 - 16:51
Speaker 17
I would now like to introduce the speaker of the house. Milton Dick MP was first elected to the house of representatives by the people of Oxley in Queensland in 2016, and he has been elected at all elections since then. In 2022, he was elected by the members of the house as its thirty second speaker. And at the commencement of this, the forty eighth parliament, in July this year, he was again elected speaker. So with those words, I hand over to the speaker of the house of representatives, the honorable Milton Dick MP.
16:57 - 17:50
Speaker 7
Thank you, Clark, and good morning, everyone. I too acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, the Ngunnawal, the Nambri peoples whose land we are gathering on today and pay my respects to all First Nations people that may be here as well. I acknowledge all of the parliamentary, colleagues that are here today, members and senator, to the parliamentary staff and members of the public, and to Holly's family that are all here, a very warm welcome. And particularly to those joining us remotely, where we are currently being beamed into a number of people's devices, as they aren't with us today, but definitely here in spirit. It's my great pleasure to welcome you here to Australian Parliament House and to the fifth speaker's lecture.
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