The Annual Andrew Bent Lecture, celebrates the birth of the free press in Australia. In June 1824, Andrew Bent published an edition of his Hobart Town Gazette and Van Diemen’s Land Advertiser in defiance of Governor George Arthur’s censorship regime and can thus be regarded as the father of independent journalism in Australia.

This year’s lecture will be delivered by Kim Williams AM, Chair of the ABC and is entitled: The ABC: Championing Australian creativity and cohesion in a dangerous and divided world.

At a moment when technological revolution and cultural disagreement are reshaping our world, contributing to division and conflict, Kim Williams will make the case for investment in the ABC.

He will argue that its news, current affairs, educational, children’s, cultural, and entertainment content contribute in crucial ways to the creation of a unifying culture that helps keep our democracy strong and cohesive.

Kim will also be discussing some exciting new programming developments that will inform, educate and even charm all Australians.