Peter Costello addresses alumni in Hong Kong
Dr Peter Costello AC
Prominent alumnus the Honourable Dr Peter Costello AC gave an address to key Monash alumni in Hong Kong on 7 April, in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Monash University Faculty of Law.
The anniversary celebrations provided a networking opportunity for senior alumni from faculties across the University.
The dinner was hosted by alumnus Graham Allan and his wife Judy. Mr Allan is group chief executive of Dairy Farm International, a leading pan-Asian retailer.
Alumni attending the dinner included judges, law firm partners, CEOs and other senior professionals, with several alumni travelling from Singapore.
In his introduction of Dr Costello, President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne AC said that Peter Costello first came to prominence during his student politics days at Monash University.
“He became a vocal defender of free speech on the campus and was elected Chairman of the Monash Student Association," Professor Byrne said.
“After leaving Monash he worked as a solicitor and then a barrister, where he was rose to prominence in a number of industrial relations cases.
“Peter Costello was then elected to the Federal parliament and in 1996 became the Federal Treasurer at the age of 38. He holds the record for being Australia’s longest serving Treasurer.”
Since leaving politics, Dr Costello serves on the Independent Advisory Board to the World Bank. He has been a Guardian of the Future Fund of Australia since 2009, and was made Chairman of the Future Fund earlier this year
“Peter’s contribution to public life was acknowledged when he was awarded Australia’s highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia in January 2011 and last year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Council of Monash University,” Professor Byrne said.