Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has reaffirmed his long-held vision for the nation’s future during a recent conversation with Sydney University historian James Curran, author of *Grand Ambition: Paul Keating’s Global Vision for Australia*. Nearly three decades after leaving office, Keating remains committed to his belief in an Australia that fully embraces its independence, forges stronger ties with Asia, becomes a republic, and pursues genuine reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.

Keating, who served as the country’s 24th prime minister from 1991 to 1996, recounted a notable meeting with Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle, where he communicated Australia’s evolution beyond reliance on the British monarchy. In what he described as a private encounter in Queen Victoria’s favored room, Keating argued that the hereditary nature of the monarchy was out of step with modern Australia’s identity and aspirations. “The hereditary nature of the queen’s position, the remoteness from any contemporary mandate, struck me... as so banal, even sad,” he reflected.

The former leader also described Australia’s political climate as suffering from a lack of boldness. “Timidity is like a virus in the bloodstream,” Keating told Curran, expressing concerns that Australian leaders have not adequately articulated a broader vision for the country’s place in the world. He cautioned against confusing activity with substance and emphasized the need for long-term strategic thinking amid evolving global challenges.

Keating’s time as prime minister coincided with significant international shifts, including the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. His administration hosted the first U.S. presidential visit to Australia in three decades, with George H.W. Bush attending the initial Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, an institution Keating helped establish and which remains central to regional diplomacy.

Despite stepping back from public office more than 30 years ago, Keating has maintained meticulous records of his policies, regarded by him as the pillars of his political legacy. These documents include cabinet materials, diplomatic communications, and personal briefings, underscoring his ongoing effort to shape how history remembers his contributions.

Addressing young Australians, Keating urged a continued push toward a republic, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and the pursuit of social reforms such as affordable housing, even if it means accepting market fluctuations. On foreign policy, he expressed support for the current U.S. administration’s desire to avoid global conflict, while also highlighting his deep concern about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

Keating’s enduring message to the nation harkens back to a speech he gave at Kokoda in 1992, where he honored the sacrifices of Australian soldiers and called for a future grounded in meaningful national identity. He described Kokoda as the place “where the depth of the soul of the Australian nation was confirmed” and stressed that young Australians deserve a country with a past and future they can embrace with purpose and pride.