2026 Festival
Speaker Profile
Don Watson
Don Watson was Prime Minister Paul Keating’s speechwriter and adviser. He is the author of many critically acclaimed books, including Caledonia Australis, Recollections of a Bleeding Heart, American Journeys, The Bush and The Passion of Private White. He has twice won The Age Book of the Year, in addition to the National Biography Award, the Alfred Deakin Essay Prize, the Australian Literary Studies Association Book of the Year, a Walkley award, the NSW Premier’s Award, the Queensland Literary Award and the Independent Booksellers Book of the Year (twice).
Special Event
The American Breakfast: Where to for this crumbling empire?
Friday April 24
The Ballroom, The Continental
8.00am
/
60 mins
Emma Shortis, Bruce Wolpe and Don Watson with Heather Ewart
In Conversation: Don Watson
Friday April 24
Hotel Sorrento (Cooper Room)
3.00pm
/
60 mins
Don Watson with Paul Daley
Spit It Out: How to write a great speech
Saturday April 25
Portsea Surf Life Saving Club
2.30pm
/
60 mins
Troy Bramston, Lucinda Holdforth and Don Watson with Libbi Gorr
Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, a conference or a key-note, writing and delivering speeches is no easy task. Our three panel members - each speechwriters to Australian politics leaders - discuss how to take audiences on a journey they’ll never forget.
From Menzies To Pauline, Turnbull To Taylor: What is an Australian conservative?
Sunday April 26
Halcyon Hall, The Continental
1.30pm
/
60 mins
Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis, Don Watson with Brendan Donohoe
At a time when political pundits are questioning the Liberal -National Party alliance and its capacity to win government, our panel dissects the past, present and future of conservative politics in Australia.