Dr Don
Edgar

Speaker Profile

Dr Don Edgar is one of Australia’s most influential social policy commentators and a provocative public speaker.

His topics arise from his long involvement in the work-family debate, men’s issues, community development programs and urging the importance of the early childhood years to later development and civic health. And they are based on thorough research and up-to-date knowledge of current policy issues.

He always tailors his talks to the particular client/audience, rather than repeating a set piece over and over again.

Dr. Edgar has a distinguished academic career, but is skilled at bringing together a wealth of information in a practical and challenging way.

He obtained his PhD at Stanford University, California, before becoming Professor of Educational Sociology at the University of Chicago. On his return to Australia, he held senior positions at Monash and La Trobe Universities and then became the first Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies. In that position he built the nation’s most prestigious social research body and had a profound influence on both government and public understanding of changes in family life.

Don is the author of some 14 books, many research reports and articles and writes regularly for The Age and The Australian newspapers. His books include Men, Mateship, Marriage and The Patchwork Nation: Re-thinking government, Re-building community. His latest book, The War Over Work, hit the market at the time of the government’s new industrial relations regime and has generated much new thinking about business responses to balancing work-family and the links between government family policies and workplace practice.

Dr. Edgar is a member of the Victorian Children’s Council and advises businesses, governments and community organizations.

Travels from Victoria