Garran Oration at Government House Victoria: reflecting on democracy and the institutions that protect it

On Thursday 30 April 2026, around 150 leaders and professionals from across the public purpose sector gathered at Government House to welcome the return of the Garran Oration. 

The Garran Oration honours Sir Robert Garran, Australia’s first public servant and a central figure in the drafting and interpretation of the Australian Constitution. The Oration provides a forum for reflection on public service, leadership and the institutions that underpin Australia’s democratic system. 

IPAA Victoria President Jenny Atta PSM, Secretary of the Victorian Department of Health, formally opened the event. She reflected on the enduring purpose of the Garran Oration and its continued relevance for public servants today, particularly at a time of increasing complexity and uncertainty placing pressures on our democratic institutions around the world. She then introduced Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC to deliver the 2026 Garran Oration. 

In her address, Her Excellency Professor Gardner explored the evolution of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in Australia, and how this distinctive combination has contributed to one of the world’s most stable and enduring democratic systems. She reflected on Sir Robert Garran’s legacy, noting his role not only in the creation of the Australian Constitution, but in setting standards of professionalism and integrity at the very start of the Commonwealth public service, themes which continue to shape good public administration today. 

A central theme of the Oration was the importance of institutions in protecting democracy, particularly during periods of crisis or instability. Drawing on Australian history and international examples, Her Excellency Professor Gardner cautioned against taking democratic stability for granted.  

In examining the role of the Governor-General and state Governors, Her Excellency highlighted their constitutional function as guardians of the system of representative democracy. While these roles are most visible in ceremonial and community settings, she emphasised that their underlying constitutional purpose is to ensure that governments are formed, governed and, where necessary, tested in accordance with the rule of law and democratic convention. She noted, these institutions are designed to be deliberately restrained and almost invisible in normal times. Their success lies in their quiet operation, providing stability, continuity and a non-partisan check on power while allowing elected governments to pursue their mandate from the electorate.  

In his vote of thanks, Institute of Public Administration Australia President Andrew Metcalfe AO captured the sentiment of the afternoon. He remarked that the orator and the setting were perfectly matched, bringing an appropriate sense of gravitas to an occasion of such significance, and offering public servants a thoughtful and timely reflection on their role within Australia’s democratic framework. 

President Metcalfe said, it was particularly gratifying  to see strong engagement from senior leaders and professionals from across Victoria and nationally, reinforcing the enduring relevance of the Garran Oration for the public purpose sector.  

IPAA Victoria was proud to host the Garran Oration on behalf of the Institute of Public Administration Australia at Government House. We extend our thanks to Her Excellency Professor Gardner and the Government House team for their generous hospitality and for supporting the continuation of this important tradition. As an organisation, IPAA Victoria values the opportunity to convene events that recognise public service, leadership and the institutions that underpin Australia’s democracy. 

Thank you to all who joined us and contributed to the success of the 2026 Garran Oration.