ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s new PM pays tribute to her 'great education'

Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Thursday, 24 June 2010

History has been created at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide today with former law/arts student becoming ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s first female Prime Minister.

The Hon. Julia Gillard enrolled at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide in 1979, studying law and arts and taking a prominent role in student politics on campus. She was President of the in 1981-82 before moving to Victoria where she completed her tertiary education at the .

A fellow student unionist on campus at the time, , (now Professor of at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide) remembers Ms Gillard as "immensely capable" in her student years.

"I'm not at all surprised that she has risen through the ranks and become our first female Prime Minister. She is highly articulate, has an incredibly sharp intellect and can identify with ordinary ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns."

Acting Vice-Chancellor and President said Ms Gillard was the first alumnus of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide to hold the country's highest office.

"This is an historic day for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and also for the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. We extend our congratulations to Ms Gillard, who today credited her outstanding education for her career in politics," Professor McDougall said.

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ now counts four members of the Federal Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet among its alumni.

They also include:

  • , Federal Labor Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water (Bachelor of Laws [Honours] and Arts, 1993);
  • Deputy Federal Opposition Leader the Hon. (Bachelor of Laws, 1979);
  • The Hon. , Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training (Bachelor of Laws 1988)

"Former ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide students can be found throughout parliament and across the major political parties in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥," Professor McDougall said.

"We congratulate all Adelaide alumni - both in government and opposition - who have taken up the challenge of helping to run this country, which is one of the greatest contributions anyone can make," he said.

 

Contact details

Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
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Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
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