University to establish Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library
Former Prime Minster The Hon Julia Gillard AC and the University of Adelaide have agreed to establish the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library on the University’s North Terrace campus, and will work with National Archives of Australia to bring the trove of documents from Ms Gillard’s career and Prime Ministership closer to the public.
Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Adelaide; The Hon Julia Gillard AC; and Mr Simon Froude, Director-General, National Archives Australia at the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library.
A memorandum of understanding signed today signals the establishment of the Library this morning, ahead of the annual Julia Gillard Public Lecture.
“I am deeply honoured that plans are underway to establish the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library on the grounds of the university where my tertiary education journey began,” says Ms Gillard.
“I have many fond memories from my time at the University of Adelaide, where I studied law, economics and literature. I have continued my relationship with the University as an Honorary Professor and through the annual Julia Gillard Lecture.
“It was a privilege to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the University and National Archives of Australia. I would like to express my sincere thanks to both institutions for taking these important first steps to turn this vision into a reality.
“I am excited to see the library take shape in the coming years and become a dynamic, living space for students, staff and the general public.”
Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, says the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library will stand as testament to the University’s history of fostering leaders who reshape Australia and the world.
“We are pleased to partner with National Archives of Australia and Former Prime Minister Gillard, particularly as we continue our 150th celebrations this year,” says Professor Høj.
“The University of Adelaide’s relationship with Ms Gillard has deepened through events such as the annual lecture series, and we are proud to now be responsible for maintaining and building upon her legacy through the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library.”
L–R: Professor David Lloyd, Vice Chancellor and President, University of South Australia; Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Adelaide; The Hon Catherine Branson AC KC, Chancellor, University of Adelaide; The Hon Julia Gillard AC; Professor John Williams AM, Provost, University of Adelaide; Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), University of Adelaide; and Mr Simon Froude, Director-General, National Archives Australia.
Director-General of National Archives Australia, Mr Simon Froude, says his organisation is excited to partner with the University of Adelaide in a project that will preserve meaningful documents from the Former Prime Minister’s career.
“National Archives of Australia is committed to facilitating access to records of Australian history and we are delighted to collaborate with the University of Adelaide to establish the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library,” says Mr Froude.
“This project will further enable Australians to engage with the key events and decisions that have influenced our national identity.”
The Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library will be established at the Hartley building, at the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus.
Once officially opened, it will host the annual Julia Gillard Public Lecture, as well as PhDs, visiting scholars, research, awards, a women-in-leadership program, and will be maintained by a Friends of the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library volunteer group.
Now that the MoU is signed, the project will now enter a scoping phase to identify the work required to bring the library into being and establish its programs and events.
The University of Adelaide expects the Julia Gillard Prime Ministerial Library’s Grand Opening will take place in 2027.
Media contacts:
Johnny von Einem, Media Coordinator, University of Adelaide. Phone: +61 0481 688 436, Email: johnny.voneinem@adelaide.edu.au