MEDIA RELEASE
Victorian Premier to Deliver the Australia India Institute’s 2024 Annual Oration
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan will deliver the Australia India Institute’s 2024 Annual Oration in New Delhi on her first overseas visit as Premier, laying out her vision for the Victoria-India relationship.
Premier Allan’s oration will focus on the deep-rooted connections and shared values that bind Australia and India, highlighting the significant cultural, economic, and educational exchanges that have strengthened over the years.
Home to the fastest-growing Indian diaspora, Victoria celebrates its Indian community, and their contributions to all aspects of Victorian society and economy.
“Victoria’s Indian community is proud and diverse, with more than a quarter of a million mums, dads and kids, business owners and students, doctors and nurses, artists and engineers all working hard and raising their families here,” said Victorian Premier Allan.
Throughout her career, Ms Allan has advocated for stronger strategic relations with India, marvelling at the untapped opportunities and mutual benefits for both Victoria and India.
“The fact that Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has chosen India for her first overseas visit as Premier shows the importance that the Victorian government places on the relationship under her leadership,” said Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh.
“It symbolises a profound commitment to strengthening the bonds between Victoria and one of the world’s most dynamic and influential nations.”
Over the years the Annual Oration has provided orators with a platform for contemporary and agenda-setting debate on issues of mutual significance including trade and economy, sustainable development, international education and geopolitics and security.
Previous speakers include prominent thought leaders in the bilateral space, including Australia’s Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare MP, former Premier of New South Wales and former High Commissioner to India, The Hon. Barry ‘Farrell AO, and former Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Peter Varghese AO.
The Oration continues to create meaningful discussion around cultural connections and careful contemplation on the ever-evolving Australia-India relationship.
“The connection between Victoria and India is a powerful one. It’s a friendship that extends over an ocean, and a partnership that supports collaboration and cooperation,” said Victorian Premier Allan.
“But this hasn’t happened by accident – it’s come about through energy and effort. And as Premier I’m determined to build on our shared successes.”
The Institute has partnered with the Victorian government to support its India Strategy (our Shared Future) and has published research, such as the landmark report on Victorians’ perceptions on India and the Indian diaspora and the Aana Jaana report for increasing air connectivity between Victoria & India.
The Victorian government has also played a vital role in hosting the Institute’s flagship Australia India Leadership Dialogue (AILD) in 2023 across some of Melbourne’s iconic venues including the Victorian Government House, National Gallery of Victoria, and the MCG, as well as the Community Gala Dinner to celebrate India’s 75th Anniversary of Independence.
The Australia India Institute’s Annual Oration with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan will take place at The Imperial New Delhi on Monday September 16, 2024.