Former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, is to be the headline act for one of her greatest media and social commentary fans, Anne Summers, in ‘interviews-as-events’ to be hosted by Dr Summers in Sydney and Melbourne.
An author, journalist and publisher of a digital magazine known as Anne Summers Reports, Dr Summers has announced she is also introducing high profile, live interview ‘events’ known as the Anne Summers Conversations.
The first ‘event’ will be with Ms Gillard, in her first public appearance since losing the Labor leadership in June.
Dr Summers is a strong supporter of Ms Gillard and has advocated for her passionately through her various media interests.
She says that her new interview events “will give people a very special opportunity to hear from living icons and I am truly honoured that Julia Gillard will be my first guest.
“I want to give Ms Gillard the opportunity to share with us what it was really like to be Australia’s first female prime minister, her proudest achievements in office, how she dealt with the harsh treatment by media and fellow politicians, and her feelings on being voted out of the job.”
Based on her writings to date, it is unlikely that Dr Summers will delve too deeply into Ms Gillard’s role in ousting Kevin Rudd from the job in June 2010.
“I’ll also ask her about her plans for the future," said Dr Summers.
“Ms Gillard served longer as prime minister than Gough Whitlam and she was our most productive leader, passing 590 pieces of legislation, including carbon pricing and Disability Care – despite leading a minority government. And she did so while enduring relentless vilification.
“It’s time to hear Julia Gillard speak for herself.”
Dr Summers conducted the last major interview given by Ms Gillard as prime minister, and which was featured in the July edition of her digital magazine.
The Anne Summers Conversations will each run for 90 minutes, featuring an hour-long interview followed by 30-minutes of Q and A for the audience to ask their own questions.
The Conversations with Ms Gillard will be held at the Sydney Opera House on 30th September and at the Melbourne Town Hall on 1st October.
Dr Summers says she will host another two 'Conversations events' in the next 12 months.
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