The annual Brookes Oration was established in 2006 to encourage thoughtful debate about the contribution of corporate Australia in the global community. It honours the significant contribution of Sir Wilfred Brookes, grandson of Alfred Deakin, the second Prime Minister of Australia, after whom Deakin University is named. 

This year's Oration COVID-19: International trade and its ramifications for Australia in a post-COVID global economy was delivered by Mr John Denton AO.