Writers Festival
July 2025
South Coast Readers & Writers Festival: Current Affairs
Jan Fran digs into what’s going on nationally and globally with some of Australia’s most esteemed political and science writers and thinkers—Amy Remeikis, Antony Loewenstein and Tim Flannery. Amy Remeikis writes, talks and analyses Australian politics across Australia’s media as the political analyst at the Australia Institute. Most recently at the Guardian, Amy is an
South Coast Readers & Writers Festival: Big Ideas
Journalist Amy Remeikis is the chief political analyst at the Australia Institute think-tank. Amy joins Jan Fran to discuss the big ideas in Australia’s current political landscape: from fresh thinking about climate action and safeguarding our democracy, to the housing crisis and our relationship with the United States. Amy Remeikis writes, talks and analyses Australian politics across
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
Looking for speakers for your next event?
Past events
Sydney Writers Festival: Trumpocalypse Now
Sydney Writers Festival: Barrie Cassidy and Friends: State of the Nation
Sorrento Writers Festival: The First 100 Days
Sorrento Writers Festival: 2025
