Dr Anne Summers: Witness: People. Politics. Culture. Feminism. 1975-2025
An illuminating discussion with Dr Anne Summers AO as she delves into her latest book Witness: People. Politics. Culture. Feminism. 1975-2025.
In conversation with Natasha Stott Despoja AC, Dr Summers will revisit the vindictive politics of the Julia Gillard era, the unexpected legacy of Malcolm Fraser and the way John Howard upended the agenda for women’s equality.
Beyond the politics, Dr Summers explores the Mexican patron saint of drug runners, the terrorist bombing of an Ariana Grande concert and the women who marched against rape in war on ANZAC Day. She also reflects on the death of her mother, finally providing a headstone for a violent grandfather, sharing her name with a chain of sex shops and why she couldn’t throw out her Swinging Sixties wedding dress.
In a collection as varied and deeply considered as her own life, Dr Summers tells the stories of the people, issues and moments that have shaped our past and are key to understanding today’s tumultuous world.
Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.
Register for this free event: https://hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au/events-and-exhibitions/events/2026/anne_summers/
In conversation with Natasha Stott Despoja AC, Dr Summers will revisit the vindictive politics of the Julia Gillard era, the unexpected legacy of Malcolm Fraser and the way John Howard upended the agenda for women’s equality.
Beyond the politics, Dr Summers explores the Mexican patron saint of drug runners, the terrorist bombing of an Ariana Grande concert and the women who marched against rape in war on ANZAC Day. She also reflects on the death of her mother, finally providing a headstone for a violent grandfather, sharing her name with a chain of sex shops and why she couldn’t throw out her Swinging Sixties wedding dress.
In a collection as varied and deeply considered as her own life, Dr Summers tells the stories of the people, issues and moments that have shaped our past and are key to understanding today’s tumultuous world.
Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.
Register for this free event: https://hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au/events-and-exhibitions/events/2026/anne_summers/
Where is it happening?
55 North Terrace, Adelaide Unversity, Adelaide, SA, Australia, South Australia 5000
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherThe Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre
