The University of Melbourne announced that it would house the Institute in April 2021.[3][4] It faced resistance in the run up to its opening[5] due to its links with the Australian Liberal Party[6] and conservative politics.[7][8] The University of Melbourne procceded with opening the Library, which opened in 2021. In 2017 the University received a 7-Million dollar grant from the government to refurbish the building which the Institute would be housed in.[9]
Activities
The Institute hosts a variety of events, including book launches, orations, and cultural events.[1] One such oration is the ANZAC day oration, which features a speech regarding the security of Australia.[10] The institute also runs a number of history-related events for schoolchildren and teachers and hosts a yearly public speaking competition, available for Australian students in years 9 to 12.[11]
As of June 2024, the CEO of the Institute was Georgina Downer, a former diplomat, lawyer, Liberal Party candidate, journalist[13] and daughter of Australian Politician Alexander Downer.
The board is made up of a variety of academics, media figures, and business leaders. Notable members include Peta Credlin AM, Leigh Clifford AC, and David Kemp AM[14]
