With recent events in Paris, the Hon Tim Fischer’s topic for Thursday’s Dean Jaensch Lecture, ‘Security of Australia: the role of DFAT, Diplomats and Defence Attachés’, is all too pertinent.
The former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, who also has ambassadorial experience, will speak on the crucial role of our diplomats to reveal some of their secret tactics, and to describe how much they can – and have – achieved for Australia’s interests.
“Curiously enough, our ambassadors and defence attachés are more frontline and vital in the 21st century than ever before,” Mr Fischer said.
Mr Fishcher points to the engagement of diplomats in recent European crises.
“There was the fast-moving action of the US Ambassador to France after the apprehension of the gunman on the Brussels-Paris train; now we see the swift action of Australia’s Ambassador in the wake of the terrorist violence in Paris,” he said.
The lecture is at 6pm on 19 November at Flinders University Victoria Square. The full news blog entry is here and registration details are here.