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The University of Western Australia and the Perth USAsia Centre have welcomed the return of former federal defence minister Kim Beazley to his alma mater after serving as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States for six years.

Mr Beazley, who previously held the position of professorial fellow of political science and international relations at UWA, has rejoined the University as an Honorary Fellow in UWA’s Law School.

In addition, Mr Beazley will take up an honorary appointment as Senior Research Fellow with the Perth USAsia Centre based at UWA. He will also be joining the Centre’s board of directors.

Professor Erika Techera, Dean of UWA’s Law School, said Mr Beazley would join the international law teaching team, where he would deliver guest lectures in the Master of International Law course as well as lecturing undergraduate students majoring in law and society.

He would also deliver guest lectures in the Faculty of Arts in Master of International Relations units on US foreign policy, international relations in the Asia-Pacific and international relations more broadly.

“Kim Beazley will share with our students his wealth of experience as a former deputy prime minister, federal defence minister, leader of the opposition and US Ambassador,” Professor Techera said.

“Our students will have an outstanding opportunity to learn more about international relations and particularly US foreign policy from a man who has been involved at the highest level of negotiations.”

Perth USAsia Centre CEO Professor Gordon Flake welcomed Mr Beazley’s appointment and his involvement in the centre’s program of public lectures and events.

“Kim Beazley will bring a new level of expertise to the Perth USAsia Centre and its role in strengthening our relationship with the Indo-Pacific and US,” Professor Flake said.

“We are particularly excited to hear Mr Beazley’s insights into US affairs during the forthcoming US Presidential Elections.”

Mr Beazley’s longstanding interest in US history and politics began during his studies at UWA and as a Rhodes Scholar. His Master’s thesis focused on the Australia-US Alliance.

Media references

Professor Erika Techera (Dean, UWA Law School)                                            (+61 8) 6488 2948

Professor Gordon Flake (CEO, Perth USAsia Centre)                                         (+61 8) 6488 4322

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager) (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716