Professor Keating hits the lecture circuit

8th July 1996

In a manner similar to his predecessor, ex Australian Prime Minister Keating has celebrated his release from politics with a sojourn into academia, having being appointed honorary professor to one of Australia's top universities. While Bob Hawke fizzled out after a while on this circuit, the feeling is that Keating will pursue this role with enthusiasm and fervour. His speciality of course is Asia and especially the role of Australia in the region at large.

He told a large crowd at his first lecture of his great respect for Dr Mahathir, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and called him a "strong" leader who he greatly respected. This is typical of Keating, who while always up front about letting others know what he thinks, respects highly the views of others. While this style clashes with the rather more indirect style of most Asian leaders, it is a style that is appreciated by many.

Paul Keating dropped out of high school at an early age and his respect in academic circles has been gained at the "University of Life". The Liberal/National Coalition that has replaced Keating's left of centre Labor party has a poor record in Asian relations with their 23 year reign till 1972 being characterised by ignoring Asia while genuflecting to their ex colonial masters. With Australia's current conservative administration still trying to develop a coherent Asia policy, expect the "Prof" to fill the void.