2026 John Cain Memorial Oration
Prof the Hon Gareth Evans
Former Attorney-General and Foreign Minister
About the Event
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 the surrounds of the State Library of Victoria’s Conversation Quarter, with the generous support of Maurice Blackburn, and the State Library of Victoria.
This event continues the legacy of the John Cain Foundation following a merger with Per Capita in 2020. The annual John Cain Oration is given by a prominent public thinker on the pursuit of social democracy.
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About the Speaker
Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC FASSA FAIIA is Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, where he was Chancellor from 2010-19. He was a Cabinet Minister in the Hawke and Keating Labor Governments from 1983-96, in the posts of Attorney General, Minister for Resources and Energy, Minister for Transport and Communications and Foreign Minister.
He has co-chaired two major International Commissions, on Intervention and State Sovereignty (2000-01), and Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (2008-10), and has been a member of a number of others. He currently Co-Chairs the International Advisory Board of the New-York based Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, a member of the ANU Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership Advisory Board where he was the founding Chair, and is founding Convenor and Board Member of the Asia Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN).
In 2010 Gareth Evans accepted the Roosevelt Foundation’s Freedom From Fear award for his work as one of the key drafters of the peace treaty between Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge in 1991 and his work on the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Gareth Evans was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2012 for his “eminent service to international relations and in the same year was elected an honorary Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences of Australia (FASSA).
His thought leadership on good international citizenship focuses on why Australia should care about poverty, human rights atrocities, health epidemics, environmental catastrophes, nuclear proliferation or other problems afflicting faraway countries, even when they don’t have immediate impact on our own safety or prosperity. It acknowledges that national security and economic prosperity are dependent upon a stable international system. When international affairs are increasingly dominated by narratives of geopolitical rivalry, this thinking offers an alternative where Australia can exercise leadership and contribute to a more peaceful and equitable world.
Signed Book Pre-order
When purchasing tickets, there is an option to pre-order a signed copy of Gareth’s book “Good International Citizenship.” Subject to availability, books may also be available for sale on the night, however there will not be an opportunity to have Gareth sign it at the event. To secure a signed copy, please pre-order when purchasing tickets.
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FAQs
What is the dress code?
The dress code is Business Attire.
Is the venue accessible?
The Library’s main entrance on Swanton Street has a stepless entry ramp. Once inside the main foyer, follow signage to the Conversation Quarter. There are wheelchair accessible toilets in the venue.
Are refunds available?
Refunds are available until 14 days prior to the event. After this date please contact info@percapita.org.au
When do ticket sales close?
Tickets close on Sunday 13 September at 11:30pm
Can I request to be seated with friends or family who have booked separately?
Yes, please email info@percapita.org.au
Can I book a table?
Yes, you can book a table of 8 to save $5 per person.