At the first of the Society’s new lunchtime series of talks, Provocations and Inspirations, held on 22 October 2024, Dr Ken Henry AC, a distinguished and long-serving former Secretary to the Australian Treasury, a former Chair of the National Australia Bank, and current Chair of the Nature Finance Council, delivered a hard-hitting address on ‘Inequality in Australia‘.

In his magisterial survey of the challenges facing Australia and its economy, he questioned our reputation for egalitarianism, going on to identify tax reform, our lack of preparation for the 21st Asian century, and rising inequality as major challenges. He argued that in creating a just society we need to think not just of those now alive and voting but also of future generations.

Dr Henry’s engaging and thought-provoking address is now available on YouTube, as is the transcript of his presentation from this website.

Media Release

Dr Henry’s address and the transcript of his speech have received coverage in the following media articles:

• Taxing fossil fuels better than Future Made in Australia, Ken Henry says Australian Financial Review, John Kehoe, Economics Editor (6 November 2024)
• Ken Henry: Is Australia an extractive or a productive economy?, Ian McAuley in Pearls and Irritations—John Menadue’s Public Policy Journal (15 November 2024)
• A nation based on mercantilist plunder, Ken Henry (an extract of his address to the Royal Society of NSW) in Pearls and Irritations (21 November 2024)