Join some of Australia's most eminent political commentators, activists and biographers to discuss gender and representation in the political environment. Recent developments - with the election of the first women State Premier and Deputy Prime Minister - make this symposium timely. Discover how different groups have interpreted these developments.

Monday 9 November 2009
Members Dining Room no 2
Old Parliament House
10am to 5pm

Cost: $35, including buffet lunch supplied by Ginger Catering

As seats are limited, you must register on the online form provided. You can also pay online. Credit card or cheque payments will be accepted on the day but we cannot take cash.

♦ Inquiries: (02) 6125 2676 or ncb@anu.edu.au

PROGRAM

10.00-10.30 am: Registration and morning tea

10.30-10.40 am:Welcome
Kate Cowie, Deputy Director, Interpretation & Programs, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

10.40-11.40 am: Academic Panel: Gender and Politics: The Gendered Gap?
Prof Andrew Leigh, Research School of Social Sciences, ANU
A/Prof Sarah Maddison, University of New South Wales
Prof Marian Sawer, ANU
chair: Dr Gail Radford, political science program, RSSS, ANU

11.40-12.40 pm: Gender and Political Biography: Changing Content?
Dr Jacqueline Kent, author of The Making of Julia Gillard, Penguin Viking, 2009
Anne Henderson, author of Enid Lyons: Leading Lady to a Nation, Pluto Press, 2008
chair: Pamela Burton, who is writing a biography of former High Court judge, Mary Gaudron

12.40-2.00 pm: LUNCH-TIME TALK
Nine Network political editor, Laurie Oakes, will talk about 'The Personal & the Political: The Role of Personal Revelation in Australian Politics'
chair: Chris Wallace, political journalist and author of Hewson: A Portrait, Sun Australia, 1993

2.00-2.30 pm: Special Introductory Tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy

2.30-3.30 pm: Political Generations? The Gender Gap is Not as Large as it Was in the Past?
Senator Kate Lundy
Hon Susan Ryan AO
Hon Margaret Reid AO
chair: Chris Wallace

3.30-4.00 pm: Afternoon tea

4.00-5 pm: Bringing Women into a Male Space? Portraying Changes to Gender, Politics and Biography in a Museum
Dr Joy McCann, Senior Historian, Museum of Australian Democracy
Michael Richards, Manager, Research and Collection Development, Museum of Australian Democracy
chair: Prof Melanie Nolan, Director National Centre of Biography

5 pm onwards: Cash Bar
The bar in the Ginger Room will be open for those interested in continuing the conversation

The symposium is sponsored by the National Centre of Biography, ANU, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and the Research School of Social Sciences, ANU, theme 'Social Dynamics and Well-being'.