MRC Events
The MRC holds a wide variety of events every year – from gala dinners marking landmark moments in Australian liberalism to book launches, private dinners and casual political debates in pubs. Come and enjoy like-minded company while we debate the principles of freedom, enterprise and more.
John and Janette Howard and Angus Taylor MP at the launch of Mr Howard’s The Art of Persuasion in Sydney, 2018.
Upcoming events
12th john howard lecture with sussan ley
Thursday 13 November, 2025, Sydney
Join the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Sussan Ley MP, as she delivers the 12th John Howard Lecture in Sydney on Thursday 13th November.
We are delighted to confirm Mr Howard’s attendance at this event. Mr Howard will be providing some remarks following Sussan’s address.
The Menzies Research Centre is a proud custodian of this recurring oration that honours our 25th and second longest serving Prime Minister, Hon John Howard OM AC.
Past events
Launch of Tony Abbott's new book on Australian history
Wednesday 15 October, 2025, Melbourne
Join Tony Abbott and special guests in Melbourne as the Menzies Research Centre launches an uplifting new book on how Australia became one of the world’s great success stories.
Australia: A History is the former PM’s account of Australia's evolution from an ancient land to one of the freest, fairest and most prosperous countries on earth.
Defined by its Indigenous heritage, British tradition and immigrant character, Australia has forged a unique national identity based on a sense of civic patriotism and overriding commitment to Australia and its values.
The book is intended to give anyone interested an account of our past that's positive, while not oblivious to our mistakes and imperfections as a nation. Warmly praised by Australians from a range of backgrounds, the book has also been acclaimed by commentators from across the political spectrum.
PREVIEW OF THE ECONOMIC REFORM ROUNDTABLE WTH TED O’BRIEN
Friday 15 August, 2025, Sydney
Join Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien MP as he delivers a speech for the Menzies Research Centre.
Ted will address the Menzies Research Centre a few days before he attends the Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable.
While he is only a few months into the role, Ted has demonstrated an understanding of the core economic issues, from poor productivity, declining living standards and unsustainable government spending.
Importantly, Ted will be one of the few participants at the Economic Reform Roundtable that genuinely believes in lower tax, which is another reason why we should all support his work.
economic speech delivered by peter dutton
Friday 31 January, 2025, Sydney
We are pleased to start 2025 with an exciting opportunity for you to hear directly from the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP this coming Friday as he delivers an address focusing on the economy.
With economic policy set to play a major role in the upcoming election, this is a great opportunity to hear directly from the alternative Prime Minister.
launch of ‘speech: the power of persuasion’
Thursday 15 August, 2024, Sydney
The Menzies Research Centre is delighted to invite you to a special event with the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson AO on Thursday 15 August at Thomson Geer, Level 14, 60 Martin Place Sydney.
The Menzies Research Centre, together with other special guests including former Prime Ministers Hon Tony Abbott AC and Hon Scott Morrison, will be launching our latest publication, "Speech: The Power of Persuasion".
Edited by MRC Research Fellow David Furse-Roberts, this selection of speeches delivered by Dr Nelson is an important volume that captures his timeless contributions to public life as an advocate for doctors, parliamentary leader and custodian of Australia's military tradition.
Brendan’s contribution to Australia has been immense. He served as Defence Minister and later chair of the Australian War Memorial. He was ambassador to the EU and NATO and before that he led the federal Liberal Party. Brendan now serves as president of Boeing Global.
The power of Brendan's speeches is found not only in his choice of words but in the passion and persuasion of their expression. These are the unfiltered words of an extraordinary Australian who speaks with bravery and unwavering belief straight from his heart.
A conversation with Konstantin Kisin
Thursday 29 February, 2024, Canberra
The Menzies Research Centre and the Page Research Centre are delighted to invite you to an in-person conversation with Konstantin Kisin in Canberra. The event is being organised with the support of the Hon Andrew Hastie MP.
This special event will be held in the Main Committee Room of Parliament House on Thursday 29 February from 11:45am for a 12pm start.
Kisin is an award-winning British-Russian commentator, author and comedian. He was born in the Soviet Union but raised in the UK, a background that informs his incisive commentary on some of the biggest issues affecting Western liberal democracies, from the rise of cancel culture to identity politics.
Kisin is author of the book ‘An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the West’ and co-host of the popular free speech podcast TRIGGERnometry. If you are not familiar with his work you can listen to his recent speech to the Oxford Union which is available here.
the 11th john howard lecture with boris johnson
Wednesday 13 December, 2023, Sydney
The Menzies Research Centre is delighted to invite you to join former UK prime minister the Rt Hon Boris Johnson as he delivers the 11th John Howard Lecture in Sydney on Wednesday 13 December.
During the evening we will also hear from former Australian prime minister the Hon John Howard OM AC.
We're thrilled to have two exceptional world leaders come together to discuss our most pressing global and local challenges.
The Menzies Research Centre is a proud custodian of this annual address that honours our 25th and second longest serving prime minister.
Since 2009, the John Howard Lecture has featured orations from prominent world leaders.
Past speakers include former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, former NZ prime ministers Bill English and John Key and former UK Conservative Party Leader Iain Duncan Smith.
The lecture series is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Robert Menzies and affirming Liberal principles.