Phillip Adams AO

Biography

Despite leaving school at 15 Phillip Adams is now Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr Adams AO FAHA – having received a record-­breaking six honorary doctorates from major universities. Elected as one of Australia’s official National Living Treasures in a poll conducted by the National Trust he has received two Orders of Australia and the International Astronomical Union named ‘a minor planet orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter’ in his honour. He has won Australia’s highest awards in film, journalism, broadcasting and human rights – and was elected to the Media Hall of Fame.

Billed as the ‘Godfather’ of the Australian film industry he has made over 20 films – including The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, Don’s Party, The Getting of Wisdom and We of the Never Never. His scores of books include works on politics and Australian humour.

Described in the influential journal The Monthly as ‘perhaps the most remarkable broadcaster in the history of this country’ he has presented ABC’s Late Night Live for almost 30 years. Broadcast twice daily around the world his tens of thousands of interviewees have included national leaders from Gorbachev to Kissinger and countless prime ministers and presidents. As Australia’s longest running newspaper columnist he has contributed to most of Australia’s major newspapers and journals over the last 60 years and to the London Times, the Financial Times and the New York Times.

He has been Republican of the Year and Humanist of the Year. Adams has chaired the Australian Film Commission, the Australian Film Institute, Film Australia, the film board of The Australia Council, the Commission for the Future, the National Australia Day Council, the Centre for the Mind, the Australian Centre for Social Innovation and many other state and federal government bodies. Board memberships
include Wikileaks, Greenpeace, Clean-Up Australia, the National Museum, Manning Clark House, and the Don Dunstan Foundation.

Adams had a major impact on Australian advertising through his business Monahan Dayman Adams, his most famous campaigns including ‘Life Be In It’, ‘Slip Slap Slop’ and Qantas’ ‘Spirit of Australia’.

He lives on a large cattle property in the upper Hunter of New South Wales.

Topics

• World of media and journalism

Testimonials

“Excellent.  Phillip provided an enlightening and sometimes challenging speech that reflected his expertise but also was made relevant to his GP audience.  For many, his was the stand out presentation of the conference.”
Australian Division of General Practice LTD

“Excellent.  Philip was a real gentleman and it was an honour to have him at our symposium.  He pulled no punches in his presentation.  Highly recommended.”
Central Queensland University

“Excellent.  By far our most popular speaker at the program.  Rated average 9 out of 10.”
Institute of Municipal Management

“Excellent.  Phillip Adams was the highlight of our two-day conference.  Very humorous presentation, sharing his own personal experiences with very realistic directions for the future.  Much food for thought.”
Sydney West Primary Principals

“A true professional.”
SA Primary Principals Association

“Excellent.  Wonderfully presented, entertaining, provoking talk that everyone of our clients enjoyed immensely.”
Australian Financial Services

“Excellent.  Phillip's presentation was a highlight of the South Pacific User Services Conference. His entertaining anecdotes were always related back to the theme of the conference”
The University of Newcastle

“Phillip Adams enthralled the audience with his wisdom, wit and intellect as he took us on a journey of Mass Media through the ages”
Lake Macquarie City Council