2005 Asialink Dunlop Medal awarded to journalist and author

Friday, November 4, 2005

National political commentator and author, Paul Kelly, has been awarded the 2005 Asialink Dunlop Medal for an outstanding record of achievement in improving Australia-Asia relations.

Asialink Patron, Sir Ninian Stephen, described Mr Kelly as a creative and important figure who had been a proponent of closer engagement with Asia over the course of decades in public life.

Mr Kelly had “raised the level of public and intellectual debate about Australia's diverse links with the various countries of our region.”

“He has been a major shaper of public and government attitudes to Asia and, as a strong supporter of Australian engagement with Asia, has contributed to positive change.” Sir Ninian said. “Paul has been particularly influential in helping Australia to build a more realistic and sustainable relationship with Indonesia through his columns and in his broader capacity as a commentator and public intellectual.

“The integration of Australia in the Asia-Pacific has been part of an agenda of reform he has urged for Australia over the past two decades. As a prominent Australian, he has been a powerful advocate. Through his Editorship of The Australian, his public speeches, and through his writing, he has lifted the standard of discussion and deliberation in Australian public life.”

Paul Kelly began his career in 1971 with The Australian. He joined the National Times in 1976 and later became associate editor of The Sydney Morning Herald. He returned to The Australian in 1985 and was its Editor for a record six years from 1991.

Kelly is currently Editor-at-Large of The Australian. He writes on Australian and international issues and is a regular commentator on television.

Paul Kelly is the author of successful books: The Unmaking of Gough, The Hawke Ascendancy, November 1975, Paradise Divided and his landmark book, The End of Certainty.

The Asialink Dunlop Medal commemorates the life of the late Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, one of Australia's most revered citizens and a pioneer of Australia-Asia relations.

The award was presented to Mr Kelly at a ceremony in Sydney last night.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Conley
Media & Public Affairs, Asialink
Tel: 8344 3575
Mobile: 0437 098 278
Email: j.conley@asialink.unimelb.edu.au

Asialink, The University of Melbourne

2005 Asialink Dunlop Medal awarded to journalist and author