The Australia Institute’s Executive Director – Ben Oquist, and head of its Democracy and Accountability program – Bill Browne, have undertaken one of the most extensive studies of Australians’ knowledge and attitudes to the Australian Senate. Their findings are detailed in their co-authored report – Representative, still: the role of the Senate in our democracy.

While the study shows the community is sometimes confused about key details of the Senate’s power and operation, this lecture will outline the way in which it provides more accountability, representation, and diversity than the House of Representatives.

As democracy and democratic norms come under increasing pressure around the world, this lecture will also propose new measures as well as an enhanced role for the Australian Senate to help strengthen and protect Australia’s democracy.