AFA names keynote speakers for 2019 conference

AFA chief executive Philip Kewin said the industry body is honoured to offer the advice profession the opportunity to hear from former foreign minister Julie Bishop as the opening speaking for the 2019 AFA Conference in Adelaide in August.

Ms Bishop was foreign minister for almost five years, following four years as shadow minister for foreign affairs and trade.

"Ms Bishop has had a long and distinguished career in Australian politics. As foreign minister she led the development of the 2017 Australian Foreign Policy White Paper, which set out a comprehensive policy framework for Australia’s engagement with the world over the next decade,” Mr Kewin said.

“She also oversaw the single largest expansion of Australia’s overseas diplomatic presence in 40 years and established the innovationXchange within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to develop creative solutions to long standing development challenges."

Alongside Ms Bishop, Thai caves rescuer and joint 2019 Australian of the Year, Dr Richard "Harry" Harris, will be the conference’s closing speaker.

Dr Harris was a part of the international rescue mission that ultimately saved a Thai soccer team of 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand in June and July 2018.

"Dr Harris will be speaking to delegates about the power of collaboration in helping to break through seemingly insurmountable barriers to achieve goals against the odds," Mr Kewin said.

"We can't think of a better person to speak to our members about strength, resilience, staying the course and pushing through adversity than Harry."

Adrian Flores

Adrian Flores is a deputy editor at Momentum Media, focusing mainly on banking, wealth management and financial services. He has also written for Public Accountant, Accountants Daily and The CEO Magazine.

You can contact him on [email protected].