Federal Gellibrand MP Tim Watts will be hosting a discussion with Paul Keating biographer, David Day, at the Williamstown Literary Festival in June.
Mr Watts attended Friday’s launch of the festival program, which features more than 70 authors appearing at 50 events in Williamstown on the weekend of June 13.
He said it would be interesting to compare notes with Mr Day, whose previous books include Menzies and Churchill at War and John Curtin: A Life.
“I’ve read a number of David’s previous books so it’s interesting seeing him working on a living subject, and as someone who has heard many of those stories from people who were there, it’s interesting … comparing the different perspectives on what actually happened. I guess that’s what history’s all about.”
Mr Watts said he hoped to participate in future festivals as a writer, with a book co-written with Hotham MP Clare O’Neil coming out in August, about 20-year challenges for Australia.
Now in its 12th year, the Willy Lit Fest has a “Swimming in words” theme this year.
Founding member and president, Hobsons Bay councillor Angela Altair, said big names attending included Helen Garner, Alice Garner, Andy Griffiths, John Marsden, David Astle, Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion.
The festival includes the announcement of winners of the Ada Cambridge writing competitions, known as The Adas. Two new writing and graphic short story competitions for people aged 15-18, the Young Adas, will be introduced this year.
Early bird tickets are on sale until midnight on May 24. For the festival program, visit willylitfest.org.au
