Philip Ruddock Author Talk

Next date: Thursday, 08 October 2026 | 06:30 PM to 07:30 PM

This is Philip Ruddock’s first-hand account of his life in politics and his years as Australia’s longest-serving Immigration Minister. It traces his role in reshaping the migration system, helping to build a younger, stronger and more globally connected nation. It also argues that multiculturalism is central to Australia’s success, making new Australians part of our shared story and vital to our collective strength. Above all, this is his account of how immigration built modern Australia and why it’s central to our future.

Philip Ruddock is Australia’s second longest-serving federal parliamentarian and its longest-serving Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. First elected in 1973, he served in the House of Representatives for 43 years and held the immigration portfolio from 1996 to 2003, overseeing major reforms to Australia’s migration program.

A Cabinet Minister from 1998 to 2007, Ruddock also served as Minister for Reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation, and Attorney-General. Across half a century of public service, he has helped shape national policy on immigration, multiculturalism, reconciliation, law and governance.

Philip will be in-conversation with Alexi Boyd. Alexi is a fierce, independent advocate for small businesses with over 20 years experience as a small business owner and advisor, leader in local grassroots advocacy organisations and as former CEO of COSBOA.

Alexi Boyd

An effective and creative communicator with a wealth of experience in media, public speaking, and high-profile public relations, she has proudly broadcast Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose for 10 years on community radio and podcast to empower small businesses and their advisors to be more informed about policy and advocacy.