We Should be So Lucky - Why the Australian Way Works

Drinks with Andrew Low

Hosted by Tony Nippard

Australians are wealthier, live longer and enjoy better healthcare than almost anyone else in the world. But is it just luck?

In We Should be So Lucky, Andrew Low uncovers the real secret behind Australia's success. With sharp insight, he shows that the unusual prosperity and quality of life in Australia, often attributed to luck, actually derives from a unique blend of political, social and economic institutions and values that could be replicated by other liberal democracies. The Australian Way works, and there are many interesting  lessons for countries in why it does.

We are delighted to have author Andrew Low join us in conversation to discuss his fascinating book.

Andrew's interest in Australia's unique culture, institutions, and place in the world started as a migrant from Namibia who grew up in Mount Isa. He went on to become the Head of Asia for Macquarie Capital, global head of Telecom, Media, Entertainment & Technology and Financial Services practices, Chief Operating Officer for Macquarie Capital Advisers, Chief Executive of RedBridge Grant Samuel, and then Global Head of Investment Banking for the international arm of China's largest securities firm, CITIC Securities.

Andrew is, or has been, a chair or director of organisations such as Advance Global Australians, Asia Society Australia, the Australia Foundation UK, the Australian British Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Ballet Foundation UK, the Australia–Japan Business Cooperation Committee, the Bell Shakespeare Company, the Europe Australia Business Council, Genea Biomedx and PRP Diagnostic Imaging. He has degrees in Economics  and Asian Studies, and has studied at Tsinghua University and at the Harvard Business Schoool.

'A most interesting and positive analysis.' John Howard, former prime minister of Australia

'What makes Australia so special, and what we need to guard against.' Lucy Hughes Turnbull, former lord mayor of Sydney

'[A] brilliantly researched analysis' Bob Carr, former Australian foreign minister and premier of NSW

'An insightful view of Australia's past successes. More importantly, a way forward for western democracies in the challenging era ahead' Nick Greiner, former premier of NSW and Australian consul-general New York

Join Andrew and your fellow members for a lively conversation on this intriguing topic.