As a further development of our recent theme of Australia and the influences on our polity, in May we welcome Kit Kowol who will discuss the two way relationship between the British Conservative Party and our country.

Kit notes British Conservative politics has witnessed a profound 'australianization' in recent years. Australian strategists have directed 4 out of the last 7 Conservative election campaigns, Australian slogans (e.g. 'stop the boats') have been imported, and policies described as 'Australian style' in order to give them greater authority  Most journalists and commentators have put this australianization down to personal connections and chemistry (the bromance between Sco-Mo and Bo-Jo for example). But there is a deeper history at work, Conservatives have long used Australian politics as either a model to copy or a warning to heed.

Kit examines the history of this interaction suggesting that since WWII Australia has been viewed by British Tories as part parody part laboratory where the genes (and genius) of the British character can be edited and restored.

Kit has a doctorate from Oxford and has worked there and at King's College London written widely on political topics.  

Last year he published "Blue Jerusalem: British Conservatism, Winston Churchill and the Second World War” to great acclaim. Kit is currently  Clerk at the Table of the Queensland Parliament, as well as Assistant Committee Secretary supporting the Primary Resources and Industries Committee, though he will be speaking in a personal capacity.