From the President's Desk - November 2011

Speakers in November

We currently have two events programmed for this month, both at the AIIA conference centre in Deakin. On Monday 7 November at 5.30pm we have a panel discussion on Australia’s aid and presence in Africa. Our principal panelists are Mr Peter Leahy from CARE Australia and Associate Professor Gary Johns from the Australian Catholic University. Subsequent to President Obama’s visit to Australia, on Wednesday 23 November at 12.30pm Dr Rod Lyon of ASPI will provide a very timely assessment of the current status of the Australia –US Relationship.

Please see our flyers and the ACT branch website at aiia.asn.au for further details about these events.
A third event in November is also under review, and we will advise details as soon as possible if this event proceeds.
I also am intending to make a presentation to members on India-Pakistan relations either in November or December. This follows a visit to India I made last month where I met with a range of officials, academics, and members of think-tanks and of the media to discuss this complex issue. My presentation will complement that I made on Pakistan a year ago which gave the views of a range of Pakistani interlocutors on India, and other security issues. Details of my presentation will be advised when finalised.

Our Christmas Party
A reminder that our annual Christmas Party will be held on Monday 5 December commencing at 5pm, also at our Deakin conference centre. This event will include delicious snacks and refreshments, and a presentation by a prominent speaker (details to be advised) between 5.30-6.30pm. We hope all members are able to attend this event

Speakers  Last Month
Our sincere thanks to our speakers in October: Adjunct Professor Clive Williams who spoke on terrorism in the 21stCentury, and to Mr Daniel Sloper, Head of the DFAT CHOGM Task Force who gave a timely briefing on CHOGM-related issues

Essay Competition.
I announced at our AGM in August that we would soon be launching an essay competition for full and part-time students enrolled at universities within the ACT.  I am delighted to say that details of the competition will be put on our website this month. Prizes will be offered in two categories: postgraduates and undergraduates. The postgraduate winner will receive $750 in cash and the undergraduate winner $250 in cash. Both will also receive free membership of the AIIA ACT Branch for 3 years. The runners-up in each category will receive a $100 co-op bookshop voucher and one year’s membership of the Branch. Please note entrants do not have to be members of the AIIA. See the ACT Branch website for further details – aiia.asn.au 

 
My sincere thanks to Council member Dr June Verrier   and her team for bringing  this together – it’s a great initiative.
 
 Your Suggestions

Please remember that the Branch exists to serve you, the members.  If you have any suggestions about speakers or other activities, please let us know. 

Ian Dudgeon

President, ACT Branch