I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to any First Nations people with us today.
We’re here tonight in part to celebrate the extraordinary life of John Cain Jr. John Cain Jr was a Labor Premier who reshaped our state and changed the lives of Victorians forever. Housing reforms – including huge investments in public housing, substantial urban renewal, and more housing for the homeless – were chief amongst his achievements.
Could you join me tonight in recognising members of the Cain family, who are here with us.
I’m really grateful to Per Capita for the kind invitation to speak with you this evening. I was lucky to be one of the many Victorians involved in the birth of this fantastic think-tank 20-years ago, with Evan Thornley and Chris Barrett and others. Although it’s a bit like saying you were at Woodstock – it was such an important cultural event in Melbourne, many thousands claim to have been a part of it.
And it’s no wonder. This organisation is making a profound contribution to public policy in our country, under the remarkable leadership of Emma Dawson who is one of the smartest people I know – not just in progressive politics, but in Australia.
