The Russell Taylor Oration is an annual event that celebrates the achievements and contributions of prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the public service and aims to inspire the next generation of First Nations talent in the public sector.
Guest speaker:
The Honourable Justice Louise Taylor
ACT Supreme Court
Louise Taylor is a Kamilaroi woman and a lawyer. In 2018 she was appointed as a Magistrate of the ACT Magistrates Court and in 2023 she was appointed as the sixth resident judge of the ACT Supreme Court.
About the Russell Taylor Oration
In remembrance of the late Russell Taylor AM, the Russell Taylor Oration continues to honour the achievements and contributions of esteemed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in the public service. Originally established to commemorate the exceptional service of former AIATSIS CEO Russell Taylor AM, this oration seeks to ignite inspiration among the upcoming generation of leaders.
Having retired as the CEO of AIATSIS in December 2016, Russell Taylor AM, held a distinguished position as one of the most senior Indigenous Commonwealth Public Servants. Russell held various Senior Executive Positions within the public sector throughout a remarkable career that spanned over two decades.
Each year as we gather for the Russell Taylor Oration, we acknowledge and pay tribute to Russell's enduring leadership legacy, his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, his invaluable contributions to the Australian nation, and his remarkable service to the Commonwealth Australian Public Service.

Mr Russell Taylor OAM was the longest serving CEO and Principal of AIATSIS having served two terms, the first from 1997 to 2003, and the second from 2009 to 2016.
Mr Russell Taylor OAM was the longest serving CEO and Principal of AIATSIS having served two terms, the first from 1997 to 2003, and the second from 2009 to 2016.