Australian icon former Prime Minister Mr John Howard comes to St Pius X College

Sometimes the best ideas come from casual conversations. Occasionally you push for the unlikely and make it happen. On 12th February 2013 we persuaded former Prime Minister Mr John Howard to come to school.....more specifically St Pius X College Chatswood! 

Former Prime Minister Mr John Howard

Teaching HSC. Economics involves focusing on the theory while at the same time trying as quickly as possible to get students 'connected' with the everyday realities of the economy, its issues and the political consequences of government actions. Regardless of contemporary arguments it is often the decisions and actions of previous governments that constrain or empower those of the present. Such is the case when we consider the change and restructuring experienced by the Australian economy. When we look back to the late 70's early 80's we can identify decisions made at the time that set the economy on the way to increased  international competitiveness, efficiency and flexibility. Such was John Howard's legacy.

Channel Nine's 60 Minutes came to film Mr Howard's visit to
St Pius X College  as he spoke to students at the Sarto Centre

The Campbell Inquiry was commissioned by John Howard in 1979 and delivered its report in 1981 recommending a comprehensive deregulation of financial markets for Australia. Over time further micro-economic reforms were introduced by both sides of politics and although few would admit it at the time a 'bi-partisan' approach was effectively taken, elements of corporatisation and privatisation shifting the economy towards significant change.

Former Prime Minister Mr John Howard addresses
students from SPX and Mercy College Chatswood

Speaking to over 100 students from both St Pius X College and Mercy College Chatswood John Howard spoke for 40 minutes providing a narrative of his time both in and power and opposition. He spoke of the pre -1980 economy, why it needed to change and how successive governments went about the business of opening up that economy to lure of free trade and globalisation. 
When he finished John Howard then threw open the floor and fielded a whole series of questions ranging from the issues of Tariff Reform and Financial Deregulation through to questions relating to Australia's handling of refugees. 

Mr John Howard and Mr Steve Quilty exchange views

Both students and staff alike were entranced by Mr Howard's ability relate the broad ideas and detail alike. We were privileged to hear such a witness to world events speak and left with sense that here was someone who had in his own way created history.