Britain in a Political Pickle - Mr David Buckingham, former Victorian Agent-General in London

Hosted by: AIIAV & the Australia Britain Society

The event will start on: Wednesday, 19 May 2010 5:30 PM

And will end on: Wednesday, 19 May 2010 7:00 PM

At Dyason House

124 Jolimont Road East , Melbourne Victoria

03 9654 7271     admin.vic@aiia.asn.au

Posted by: act   

The United Kingdom finds itself in a state of extraordinary political uncertainty surrounding the May 6 general election. At a time when the public mood had been expected to dump New Labour after a long stretch in office, the Tories seemed unable to capitalise on widespread disillusionment with politics and politicians, with the Liberal Democrats surging as predictions of a hung parliament emerged.

As the dust settles on the outcome of this historic election, we are pleased to present Victoria's former Agent-General in London. Mr Buckingham was a close observer of the political scene through key years of New Labour, involving the struggle for power between Mr Blair and Mr Brown, the expenses scandal in the Commons, financial, economic and social woes and other events leading up to this year's election.

The new government faces many challenges, not least an array of economic and budgetary issues. May 6's outcome carries major implications for British relations with Europe, with major allies and with Australia, topics that are among those to be covered in this address.

David Buckingham was Victoria's Agent-General in London for more than five years before returning to Melbourne late last year as chairman of the Linking Melbourne Austhority and as senior coordinator in the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Monash University.

Mr Buckingham has held many senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra and abroad; in the Department of Education; the Department of Transport; and the Department of the Environment. He was an advisor to Prime Minister Bob Hawke, has served as CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, and as executive director of the Business Council of Australia.

Tickets payable at the door :

• Members - $15
• Non-Members - $25
• Student Members - $8
• Student Non-Members - $12

If you plan to attend this function, please tell us at least 1 day before the event

• by phone 03 9654 7271
• by email use the contact form
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