The University of Sydney conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree on former Prime Minister Julia Gillard during a ceremony on October 15, 2023. This recognition celebrates her significant contributions in law and politics, as well as her impactful work in education, mental health, and leadership, which have left a lasting mark on Australian society.
Presiding over the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott highlighted Gillard’s lifelong commitment to enhancing educational outcomes. He noted, “Today we pay tribute to Julia’s lifelong contribution to improving education outcomes for students of all ages.” He emphasized her dedication to establishing national benchmarks that continue to shape the educational framework in Australia.
In her address, Gillard expressed gratitude for the recognition from Australia’s oldest university. “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 stated.
Born in Wales, Gillard immigrated to Adelaide in 1966. She began her academic journey at the University of Adelaide before moving to the University of Melbourne. Her early leadership experience began in 1983 when she was elected President of the Australian Union of Students, marking the start of her advocacy career. After obtaining degrees in Arts and Law, she joined Slater and Gordon, where she specialized in employment law and became a partner by the age of 29.
Gillard transitioned to politics in 1996 as chief of staff to Victorian Opposition Leader John Brumby. Her political career took off when she was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Lalor in 1998. Her dedication to social justice and reform characterized her parliamentary tenure.
In 2006, Gillard became the deputy leader of the Australian Labor Party. After the party’s victory in the 2007 federal election, she made history as Australia’s first female deputy prime minister and minister for education, employment, and workplace relations. Her tenure saw the introduction of key reforms, including the national curriculum, NAPLAN testing, and the My School website.
Gillard’s commitment to educational equity led to the launch of initiatives such as the Digital Education Revolution program, which provided essential digital resources for schools, and the $16 billion Building the Education Revolution program aimed at refurbishing educational facilities. She is particularly noted for implementing the needs-based school funding model recommended in the Gonski Review, which aimed to create a fairer system for secondary and tertiary education funding.
On June 24, 2010, Gillard was sworn in as Australia’s 27th prime minister, becoming the first woman to hold the office. Her leadership during the global financial crisis helped stabilize Australia’s economy, while her government also introduced significant reforms in health care, disability support, and climate policy. Notably, she launched the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and initiated the construction of the National Broadband Network.
Gillard gained international recognition for her 2012 speech addressing sexism and misogyny, which sparked global conversations about the challenges women face in leadership roles. Today, she continues her advocacy as the inaugural chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, focusing on promoting inclusive and equitable leadership worldwide.
Her commitment to education has persisted throughout her career. From 2014 to 2021, she served as chair of the Global Partnership for Education, a leading organization dedicated to expanding access to quality education globally. Additionally, she is the patron of the Campaign for Female Education, which empowers young women by supporting their right to education.
In her post-political career, Gillard has held significant roles, including chair of Beyond Blue, Australia’s leading mental health awareness organization, from 2017 to 2023. She has also been chair of the Wellcome Trust since 2021, a global charitable foundation focused on urgent health challenges.
Recognized as a Distinguished Fellow at the Brookings Institution and an Honorary Professor at the University of Adelaide, Gillard was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2017 for her exceptional contributions to public life.
The honorary degree awarded by the University of Sydney underscores Gillard’s enduring impact on education, leadership, and social justice, solidifying her legacy as a transformative figure in Australian history.
