Pearcey Orations

Thought leadership presentations by an eminent Australian.


The Pearcey Oration is presented each year by an eminent expert.

The oration gives an opportunity to explore, in depth, critical contemporary issues arising from the introduction and adoption of new and advanced technologies into our society.

Recent orations are available on our YouTube Pearcey Orations playlist.

Pearcey Orations on YouTube


The Pearcey Foundation very much appreciates the generous support by the Victorian Government over many years.

Since 2016, the presentation of Victorian Pearcey Award has been proudly part of the Victorian Government's Digital Innovation Festival (DIF).


Pearcey Orations

Sep 6, 2024

2024 Pearcey Oration

The 2024 pearcey Oration Taking the Tiger by the Tail – a digital future for Australia that works for us all! was delivered by Dr Ian Oppermann on Wednesday September 4th 2024. Dr Oppermann looked through the digital and data lens to delve into challenges, issues and opportunities for equity, AI, privacy, cybersecurity, standards and collaboration.

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May 6, 2024

2023 Pearcey Oration

The 2023 Pearcey Oration, The Quantum Revolution: Australia leads the world into the new age of computing – again!!, was presented by Professor Michelle Simmons AO, on Wednesday 6 September 2023. Professor Simmons gave a passionate and exciting insight into the opportunity for Australia to once again be at the global forefront in manufacturing advanced technology computers.

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Sep 21, 2022

2022 Pearcey Oration

The 2022 Pearcey Oration, "From Pearcey to Quantum", was given by the Honourable Ed Husic MP, Federal Minister for Industry and Science in Melbourne on Wednesday, 21 September 2022. Ed Husic gave a passionate Australian perspective of digital technologies past, present and future.

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Sep 1, 2021

2021 Pearcey Oration

The 2021 Pearcey Oration "Digital Transformation - Australia as a World Leader" was given by Jeremy Hirschhorn, ATO Second Commissioner on Wednesday 1 September 2021 and gave an insight into the most digitised revenue agency on the planet, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

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Sep 2, 2020

2020 Pearcey Oration

2020 Pearcey Oration was given by John Blackburn AO on Wednesday 2 September 2020. John explored the very pertinent topic of Resilience, specifically: "How do we address our resilience and preparedness in this age of mistrust?"

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Aug 27, 2019

2019 Pearcey Oration

In 2019, the Pearcey Oration was given by Roger Taylor, Chair of the UK Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation. It was presented in conjunction with the Victorian State Entrepreneur Award at a sit-down dinner on the evening of Tuesday 27th August, 2019 at the Woodward Centre, Melbourne Law School.

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Aug 28, 2018

2018 Pearcey Oration

The 2018 Pearcey Oration was delivered by Mr Paul Shetler, a technologist and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience working on large projects in the technology industry and in guiding major government digital initiatives. The provocative talk was entitled "Be Bold Australia!".

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Aug 28, 2017

2017 Pearcey Oration

The 2017 Pearcey Oration was delivered by Ms Jo Burston, founder and CEO of Job Capital, co-founder and director of Phronesis.Academy and founder of the entrepreneurial movement Inspiring Rare Birds. The Oration was given in the evening of Monday 28 August 2017, at The Hub in Bourke Street, Melbourne as part of Vic Government's Digital Innovation Festival.

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Sep 6, 2016

2016 Pearcey Oration

The 2016 Pearcey Oration was delivered by Dr Amanda Caples, Victoria's Lead Scientist and Deputy Secretary, Sector Development Division of theDepartment of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.

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Nov 17, 2015

2015 Pearcey Oration

The 2015 Pearcey Oration was delivered by Mr John Grant, Managing Director of Data#3 and Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission. This was part of the Pearcey Awards held in conjunction with the ACS Disruptors Awards gala dinner held on Tuesday 17 November 2015 at the Sydney Star.

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Aug 29, 2014

2014 Pearcey Oration

The 2014 Pearcey Oration as delivered By Senator Kate Lundy on the 29th August 2014 at the 2014 iAwards Lunch hosted by Ms Kathy Coultas, Vic Gov, at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

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Sep 22, 2010

2010 Pearcey Oration

The 2010 Pearcey Oration was presented by Dr Megan Clarke, CSIRO as part of the World Computer Congress 2010 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale Street, Southbank Qld 4101, Australia on Wednesday 22nd September 2010

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