Federal Executive Council; Australian Futures Project; State Visit to the People’s Republic of China

On Thursday 17 October 2013, at Government House, Canberra, the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Afterwards, the Administrator, as guest of the Director of the Australian Futures Project, Mr Ralph Ashton, attended a workshop on ‘building Australia’s future making capabilities’.

Later, the Administrator hosted a lunch for participants of the Australian Futures Project. Guests included: Mr Ralph Ashton; Professor Gary Banks AO; Ms Nkandu Beltz; Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell; Mr John Daley; Mr Dean Dalla Valle; Professor John Dewar; Ms Anna Draffin; Dr Sally Fawkes; Dr Leigh Gassner; Dr Ken Henry AC; Mr Paul Kelly; Mr Fernando Lecuna; Mr Ross Love; Mr David Malouf AO; Mr Jack Manning Bancroft; Dr Fiona McKenzie; Dr Julia Newton-Howes; Ms Catriona Noble; Ms June Oscar AO; Ms Julie Rosenberg; Professor Graeme Samuel AC; Professor Brian Schmidt AC; Ms Carol Schwartz AM; Ms Megan Seneque; Mr Michael Stuchbury; Ms Sophie Weldon; and Major General Simone Wilkie AM.

Earlier, at Renmin University, Beijing, the Governor-General the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, as guests of the Director of the Australian Studies Centre, Professor Zhang Yongxian, met with staff and students before delivering an address and participating in a discussion with students.

Afterwards, in Beijing, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Guide of the Temple of Heaven Authority, Ms Bai Ying, visited the Temple and received a brief on its history.

Later, in the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, the Governor-General met with the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Li Keqiang.

Then, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr Xi Jinping, attended a ceremonial welcome at which the Governor-General inspected the guard of honour.

Afterwards, the Governor-General attended a formal meeting with President Xi.

In the evening, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the President and the First Lady, Madam Peng Liyuan, attended a State Banquet hosted in their honour.