Tony Abbott keynote speaker

The Honorable Tony Abbott AC served as Australia’s 28th Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015, leading during a time of significant economic reform, national security action, and global engagement. His administration oversaw the repeal of the carbon and mining taxes, finalized landmark free trade agreements with China, Japan, and Korea, and implemented strong border protection policies that halted the maritime people-smuggling trade. Under his leadership, Australia became the second-largest contributor to the US-led campaign against Islamic State and hosted the 2014 G20 Summit, reinforcing the nation’s strategic importance on the global stage.

A former journalist, Rhodes Scholar, and long-serving Member of Parliament for Warringah (1994–2019), Abbott is a principled center-right leader known for his advocacy of Western democratic values, responsible government, and economic liberalization. He is the author of three books on Australian politics and public life and has raised millions through his charitable initiative, the Pollie Pedal bike ride.

In recognition of his service, Abbott was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2020 and received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan in 2022. Today, he serves on the board of FOX Corporation, is Director of the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation, and is a visiting fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs and the Danube Institute. He remains an influential voice in international affairs, trade policy, national security, and conservative thought