National Security and Human Rights

Abstract

My predecessor, Alfred Deakin, after whom this Oration and this University are named, became Australia’s first Attorney-General in 1901. He subsequently became Prime Minister in 1903. I think it says something about Alfred Deakin that this is one of a number of lectures named in his honour. The Melbourne University Lib- eral Club established a lecture trust in his honour in 1967 -- their lectures continue today. In 2001, the Victorian Government held a series of lectures as part of the centenary of Federation celebrations and in 2005, there will be a further series of lectures named after Deakin dealing with innovation.