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Martin Parkinson

Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM served in Commonwealth Government leadership positions on all facets of economic, social, foreign, defence and national security policies for almost forty years. As the secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet between 2016 and 2019, Martin was Australia’s most senior public servant. He served as secretary to the Treasury between 2011 and 2014, and before that was secretary of Australia’s inaugural Department of Climate Change from 2007. During his tenure, Martin led our key public sector organisations through a period of considerable political uncertainty, serving under five different prime ministers.

A Decade of Drift

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Events

  • 2026 John Cain Memorial Oration: Gareth Evans

    State Library Victoria, Conversation Quarter 328 Swanston St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    The 2026 John Cain Memorial Oration will be delivered by Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans, AC KC FASSA FAIIA The evening will include a two course meal and drinks in...

  • Sonia Orchard at Gleebooks

    Gleebooks 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, New South Wales

    Sonia Orchard in conversation with Jess Hill and Grace Tame Stories of child sexual abuse appear in the media weekly, often framed as isolated incidents. But child sexual abuse and...

    $15
  • Sonia Orchard at Avid Reader

    Avid Reader 193 Boundary Street, West End, Queensland, Australia

    Jessica Rudd will be in conversation with Sonia Orchard for her In the National Interest edition, Before the Harm: Preventing Abuse, Protecting Children. ABOUT THE BOOK Stories of child sexual...

    $15
  • Book Launch: Australian Girls (Melbourne Museum)

    Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia

    Join us to celebrate Catherine Gay's new book Australian Girls: Growing Up in the Nineteenth Century (Monash University Publishing). Launched by Senior Curator Deborah Tout-Smith (Museums Victoria), Professor Andrew May...