Julia Gillard is set to end her public silence in an interview with journalist Anne Summers at public forums at the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Town Hall in the next few weeks.

The 90-minute interviews will take place at the Opera House on September 30 and the Town Hall on October 1 and include 30 minutes of questions from the audience at each venue.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard. Credit:Mal Fairclough

Dr Summers, who was an adviser to Paul Keating during his prime ministership, has been one of Ms Gillard's most outspoken defenders – before and after she was replaced by Kevin Rudd after serving three years and three days as prime minister.