Rotary Club of Kings Cross - Dr Keith Suter AM

For many years, Dr. Keith Suter has started each New Year by addressing our Club. We have heard him talk on Trump, Covid-19, Brexit, China, the war in Ukraine, politics globally and many other topics too numerous to list. This address will touch on a new and interesting topic - where is Australia headed and what does it mean to me.

His perspective is unique - a learned and delicate combination of policy, history and politics. 

Here is why:

Dr Suter has achieved three doctorates. The first in the international law of guerrilla warfare (University of Sydney); and the second about the social and economic consequences of the arms race (Deakin University); and a third doctorate on scenario planning (Sydney University). He was awarded the Australian Government's Peace Medal in 1986: The International Year of Peace and was Rostrum's "Communicator of the Year" in 1995.

In the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours, Keith was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for "significant service to international relations, and to the Uniting Church in Australia".

He has been appointed to many roles throughout his career, including chairperson of the International Humanitarian Law Committee of Australian Red Cross (NSW), chairperson of the International Commission of Jurists (NSW), director of studies at the International Law Association (Australian Branch) and managing director of the Global Directions think tank.

He has also been a member of the Club of Rome since 1993. The Club is “an informal association of independent leading personalities from politics, business and science, men and women who are long-term thinkers interested in contributing in a systemic interdisciplinary and holistic manner to a better world. The Club of Rome members share a common concern for the future of humanity and the planet.” The club has only 100 members, with Mikhail Gorbachev amongst them.

Dr Suter is a life member of the United Nations Association of Australia in recognition of his service. At various times from 1978 to 1999, he served as the national president of the organisation and took on the roles of the Western Australia and New South Wales state president. He was the president of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (1991-1998) at the University of Sydney and a consultant on social policy with the Wesley Mission for 17 years. In addition, he served as a consultant for a number of other organisations, with a focus on local and international issues.

He is also an active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He frequently appears on radio and television discussing politics and international affairs. He has been for many years the Foreign Affairs Editor on Australia's Channel 7’s Sunrise program.