The Honorable John Winston Howard, 25th prime minister of Australia (1996 – 2007), will provide the keynote address at the ASIS International 59th Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2013) on Thursday, Sept., 26, 2013 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. ASIS 2013 is anticipated to draw more than 20,000 security professionals from around the world for education, networking and an expansive exhibit floor of security products and services.
According to an ASIS press release: “Get a view of the world from "Down Under" from Australia's second-longest serving prime minister. During his 16-year tenure, Howard turned around the federal government budget from heavy deficit to free of net debt when he left office. He also initiated major reforms in taxation, labor laws, and social policy. Under Howard's government, Australia was both a strong and close ally of the United States as well as expanding links with Asian nations. With Howard's leadership, Australian forces joined the coalition of the willing in Iraq in March 2003. Australia strongly supported the war against terrorism with her forces continuing to serve alongside American and other coalition forces in Afghanistan. … The keynote address is open to all attendees.”