The shocking attack on Australian MP Helen Haines has left us deeply concerned for the state of our democracy and the safety of our elected representatives when engaging directly with their constituents – something we have long taken for granted. On behalf of the Institute’s team, I extend my heartfelt support to Helen and her family, friends and wider community during this time. You can support Helen by donating to the Save the Children Foundation, as requested by Helen and her family.
It was once again a significant time to visit India this month, as the CJP youth led protests on electoral processes intensified. Across the world, questions of democratic participation and youth opportunities continue to shape public discourse. These developments reinforce the importance of fostering constructive dialogue to support peaceful, inclusive and prosperous democracies.
This Institute hosted its 2026 Annual Oration at the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi delivered by Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director-General of India’s Energy and Resources Institute. Vibha’s oration put a spotlight on gender equality in leadership, and highlighted the challenges and solutions of translating global commitments on sustainable development and climate change into meaningful action.
The impacts of climate change was also a key feature at the Maldives National University School for Security and Strategic Studies in Malé where I was invited to speak on ‘Building a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Indo-Pacific’. My keynote focused on the importance of Australia and India creating stronger partnerships with Small Island Developing States. Thank you to the Dean, Dr Athualla Rasheed for hosting. I look forward to building on this at the upcoming ‘Strengthening Mutual Engagement between Middle Powers and Island States’ roundtable in Fiji next month, which the Institute is co-hosting alongside KAS Australia and the Pacific, and La Trobe University.
Our focus on building security was also delivered in Perth at our Australia-India Defence Industry Roundtable, led by Dr Teesta Prakash and Grant Wyeth. And our Strategic Imperative for an Australia-India-Republic of Korea report launch in Seoul, led by Grace Corcoran, presents an unconventional and promising partnership to building regional security.
Finally, wishing you and all your loved ones a very happy Diwali.
Best,
Lisa