Daily News

Whitlam Oration: Michelle Bachelet - Wednesday 9 October

From: Geoff Johnston

Valid from: Wednesday 18 September 2019 to Wednesday 9 October 2019


The Whitlam Institute is delighted that this year's Whitlam Oration will be delivered by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, who will address guests on Australia’s Role - Human Rights in a Changing World on Wednesday 9 October.

As a 23-year-old medical student, Ms Bachelet had been imprisoned under Pinochet's dictatorship in Chile. During the term of the Whitlam Government, she came to Australia as one of the first political refugees to this country.

Ms Bachelet was elected President of Chile on two occasions (2006 – 2010 and 2014 – 2018). She was the first female president of Chile. She served as Health Minister (2000-2002) as well as Chile’s and Latin America’s first female Defense Minister (2002 – 2004).

On 1 September 2018, Michelle Bachelet assumed her functions as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in 1993 and Ms Bachelet is the seventh Commissioner).

The Whitlam Institute is delighted to be part of her upcoming visit to Australia.

To find out more about Michelle Bachelet, and to book to attend this event, visit https://www.seymourcentre.com/events/event/whitlam-oration-michelle-bachelet/