Recently, the College hosted a special dinner with The Hon Tony Abbott AC to celebrate the publication of his new book, Australia: A History. This occasion honoured a most distinguished College alumnus and marked the release of his comprehensive account of our nation’s story, drawing together political, social, and cultural dimensions of Australia’s history.
The event brought together students, staff, alumni, and friends of the College for a memorable evening of conversation, reflection, and scholarship.
Whatever one’s political views, Tony Abbott is undoubtedly among the College’s most notable alumni, having risen to hold the highest political office in the nation. He is a central figure in modern Australian politics. The event was therefore not only an exploration of his new book but also a celebration of the College’s longstanding tradition of forming influential leaders.
Two of our newly elected student leaders, Jemima Carmody and Xavier Leaver, were asked to interview Tony and engage with the ideas and reflections contained in his latest work, as well as many aspects of his life – from his time at College, to his parliamentary career, to the experiences and convictions that have shaped him.
Tickets for the event were released on a Saturday afternoon and were fully taken up within 36 hours, with a substantial waitlist forming soon after, demonstrating the extraordinary level of interest from our community.
Other Special guests included:
- The Hon Peter Collins AM KC, former NSW Leader of the Opposition
- Mr John McCarthy AM KC GCPO KCSG, former Australian Ambassador to the Holy See
- Mr Chris Meney, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Sydney
- Mr David Mortimer AO, former Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate
- Mrs Josephine Sukkar AM, former Chair of Sport Australia, and Mr Tony Sukkar AM from Buildcorp
- Mr Shaun Cousins, Chair of the St Johns College Foundation
- Mr Paul Dellow, President of the College Alumni Association
- Mr John Coorey, Chair of the St John’s College Council
- Prof Bernadette Tobin AO GCSG, former Chair of St John’s College Council
Jemima and Xavier were outstanding in their questioning: witty, insightful, and highly engaging. Their conversation with Mr Abbott went well beyond the pages of his new book, offering moments of genuine humour and deep reflection. At times, the interview felt like an intergenerational exchange between emerging leaders and an elder statesman, rich with perspective and warmth. I was very proud of all of them.
No topic was off the agenda: President Trump, climate change, College life, former Prime Ministers Rudd and Gillard, Catholicism, even the topic of misogyny, were discussed openly and thoughtfully, creating a conversation that was both candid and memorable. The evening showcased not only Mr Abbott’s candour but also the calibre of our student leaders and their ability to engage meaningfully with complex ideas and public life.
The evening concluded with a lively Q&A session, book signings, and conversations that continued well into the night. Students expressed gratitude for the chance to engage directly with a national leader and to deepen their understanding of Australia’s history through the lens of someone who helped shape it.
In my remarks, I felt it important to highlight the College’s balanced approach to hosting distinguished political guests:
Tonight is not just an opportunity to learn about Tony’s new book, Australia: A History, but also a unique chance for the students of this College to engage with an alumnus who became Prime Minister when most of our students were only eight years old.
But even as 18-year-olds today, they sit under his Simon Fieldhouse portrait for every meal of the day with his watchful gaze, ever wondering who the next St John’s College Prime Minister will be!
Tony inspires a wide range of opinions, but that diversity of perspective is, indeed, healthy in the vibrant democracy we call Australia.
Over the past two years, the College has welcomed numerous distinguished figures from political life, including the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns; former Premier of NSW, Bob Carr; former Federal Treasurer, Joe Hockey; former Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley; and former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard. I have invited our local member, the Greens representative for Newtown, Jenny Leong, to speak, and hopefully that will happen one day.
Tonight is Tony’s turn – so welcome home, Tony, and we very much look forward to what promises to be an enlightening and engaging evening.
Events like this reinforce the College’s mission of creating a vibrant intellectual community, where students are encouraged to think boldly, question deeply, and participate actively in Australian public life.
I am grateful to Mr Abbott for his thoughtful participation and for engaging in such candid and robust discussion with our students. His presence reminded us of the value of honest debate and principled exchange within a university community. Thanks also to our extraordinary incoming 2026 House Presidents, Jemima and Xavier whose respect, maturity, and thoughtful engagement ensured that the conversation was both lively and deeply respectful. They represented the College with the highest distinction.
Dr Mark Schembri
Rector
