Events
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July 2025
Standing Up to Trump’s America
Each week, rapidly changing news comes out of the United States – Australia’s closest ally. From introducing sweeping tariffs to mass deportations, from leaking military actions to defunding research bodies, the consequences of the Trump administration are crashing around the world. So what does this mean for us? In conversation with Dr Richard Denniss, Dr
Human/Nature with Jane Rawson
Several years ago, Jane Rawson packed up her beloved inner-city home and moved to the bush. Scared about what climate change would do to the big city, and keen to meet more animals, she found a new home in a cottage in the Huon Valley. But in a place where nature never really leaves you
Politics in the Pub: The Fight to Save Murujuga
The Australia Institute’s research reveals the government’s approval of a 40-year extension to Woodside’s North West Shelf gas export terminal will dramatically increase pollution, while acid rain threatens the destruction of one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of rock art engravings, assembled continuously over the past 50,000 years. The Murujuga rock art
August 2025
Byron Writers Festival: Fragile Democracy
Political upheaval around the world has laid bare the fragility of democratic institutions and the rule of law. Join an esteemed panel featuring Judith Brett (Fearless Beatrice Faust), Julianne Schultz (The Idea of Australia) and Don Watson (High Noon) to diagnose the health of democracy. With Emma Shortis.
Byron Writers Festival: Housing in Crisis
Sky-high rents, a generation fearing they’ll be locked out of the market, and uninsurable towns. The housing crisis and climate change are on a collision course. Join Executive Director of the Australia Institute Richard Denniss and Director of Living Lab Northern Rivers Elizabeth Mossop for an urgent discussion of what can be done to restore
Byron Writers Festival: Trump’d
Get the analysis on Donald Trump’s second presidency with an all-star lineup of political commentators Nick Bryant, Barry Jones, Emma Shortis and Don Watson. Is Australia’s relationship with the USA intact, and what can be done in the face of authoritarianism? With Julianne Schultz.
Bendigo Writers Festival: Opening Gala: Game On
After the 2025 federal election, Australia has the most progressive parliament in recent memory. Perhaps ever. What are the game-changing ideas that Australia needs now? Is there a mandate for policy decisions that might safeguard Australia’s democracy, economy, environment and polity beyond the blip of the news cycle? Leading thinkers and activists from all corners
Bendigo Writers Festival: On the Money: The Fifth Estate
As Donald Trump’s presidency reshapes the global economy, expert commentators Richard Denniss and Satyajit Das offer new perspectives on Australia’s place in the new world order. In this special Bendigo Writers Festival edition of The Fifth Estate, host Sally Warhaft welcomes Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute, and Satyajit Das, economic expert, former
Conspiracy Nation with Ariel Bogle
Through new investigations and first-hand accounts, Conspiracy Nation takes readers to the rallies, homes, courtrooms, secret chat rooms and $2000 Byron Bay luxury retreats where Australia’s conspiracy theories spread. ‘There are microchips in vaccines’; ‘5G spreads COVID-19’; ‘the Australian government is hiding a list of powerful predators’ – Conspiracy Nation exposes the world of Australian
September 2025
Dead Centre with Richard Denniss
The sensible centre. Evidence-based policy. These are not the same. In fact, they are at odds with each other. The scientific evidence tells us that building new gas, oil and coal mines will cause catastrophic climate damage this century. Yet politicians describe a call for the end of new mines as extreme. Likewise with online
October 2025
Defiance with Bob Brown
For half a century, Bob Brown has been standing up to the powerful interests who would put profit before planet. In Defiance, he draws on this experience to inspire a new generation of individual and collective action. He reflects on the people and places that have shaped him, celebrates the irreplaceable beauty and value of nature