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For All Australians.
The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University is a public policy institute inspired by one of Australia’s most respected Prime Ministers, Gough Whitlam. It is guided by the ‘three great aims’ of the 1972 Whitlam Program: to promote equality; to involve all Australians in the decision-making processes of our land; & to liberate their talents & uplift their horizons.
Apply to be Director of the Whitlam Institute, within Western Sydney University
The Whitlam Institute is seeking a Director to lead us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the election of the Whitlam Government, and beyond.
Our new Director will lead our small, but dedicated team to continue our path in building a world-class think tank with a national reputation for rigorous analysis, informed and credible research, timely contributions to public debate and influence on policy development and implementation.
Applications close on 8 May.
Entries now open!
What Matters? is a 'catalyst for young thinkers and young writers to develop a perspective, a point of view, on where we're heading as a society'.
Inspired by Gough Whitlam's commitment to involving young people in the shaping of Australia's future, the What Matters? writing competition is currently open to school students in years 5 to 12 from Australia. Responding to the simple question 'what matters?', entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about.
Meet our What Matters 2021 Competition Winners!
Gough Whitlam believed that what matters is listening to young people and taking their ideas, values and advocacy seriously.
We carry on his legacy through our national What Matters? writing competition, a platform for all Australian students to tell us, in whatever way they like, about what matters to them.
Reading these entries can be challenging – our participants aren’t afraid to shy away from difficult topics, but this makes them all the more empowering, energising and ensure a ‘more equal, open, tolerant and independent Australia’, the vision Gough Whitlam set for us to pursue into the future.
2021 What Matters? Competition Overall Winner!
While the pandemic prevents us from getting together in person this year, nothing could stop us from celebrating all our winners from an incredible field of entries. Today we announce our final prizes including the overall winner of the 2021 competition…more
2021 What Matters? Competition Winners
While the pandemic prevents us from getting together in person this year, nothing could stop us from celebrating all our winners from an incredible field of entries. Join us each day this week at 1pm AEDT and tune in discover the winners and celebrate their entries, and explore messages from our partners… more
Read the Shortlisted entries for the 2021 competition
This year’s entries are as thoughtful as they are diverse, covering topics including our environment, COVID-19, the importance of family and simple pleasures, as well as equality, racism, discrimination and pondering ‘what makes us Australian?’. Every entry was read and considered by an experienced marker, and it's our privilege to recognise all of the inspiring young Australians who participated. More
Afghan Perspectives: the future of Afghanistan – what’s at risk and what can be done?
In light of the recent military withdrawal of US, Australian and other international forces from Afghanistan, and as the Taleban continues to gain control of territory and attack communities across the country, the Whitlam Institute seeks to raise awareness - in Australia and beyond - of the situation in Afghanistan today.