Whitlam, Western Sydney and the Promise of University: Dr Alexandra Coleman on her research

Each year the Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University awards the E.G. Whitlam Research Fellowship to an experienced academic to carry out research that continues the legacy of Gough Whitlam and the issues his government championed.

Dr Alexandra Coleman, our 2020 Fellow, focused her research on class, place, and higher education. Her research is focused on Gough Whitlam’s “quality of life” agenda and in her essay ‘Whitlam, Western Sydney and the promise of University’ she explores advancing Whitlam’s belief that everybody should have equal access to a good quality education, regardless of where they grow up, what school they attend, and what connections they have.

In this podcast, Dr Coleman talks about undertaking this research, and how her own story ties into it. Lakshmi Logathassan and Professor James Arvanitakis provide their perspectives and insights on the research as well, highlighting why this is a timely conversation, particularly in Western Sydney.