What’s the Big Idea?
There is no shortage of solutions for the biggest problems Australia faces — only a shortage of bravery to implement them. Host Paul Barclay asks contributors to the book ‘What’s the Big Idea?’ about their big picture thinking on how we can change Australia for the better.
July 2025
No nukes: Australia must push for serious global nuclear disarmament | Tilman Ruff
Nuclear weapons are still a threat to humanity. In our age of uncertainty, Australia isn’t doing enough to rid the world of these weapons.
Where to now for Indigenous justice? | Thomas Mayo
After the failure of the Voice referendum, achieving justice for Indigenous Australians remains more important than ever. This demands keeping hope alive.
June 2025
Making climate action urgent and equitable | Sunita Narain
The climate crisis is an inequality crisis. Australia needs to pay attention to equity and inclusion and enable sustainable development for countries in energy poverty.
Can you put a price on nature? | Bob Brown
Nature is priceless. It’s Monty Pythonesque to think that pricing nature will stop extinctions or protect the planet.
Safe to speak: protecting the whistleblower | Kieran Pender
For most would-be whistleblowers, the cost of courage is way too high. A whistleblower protection authority would ease their path.
One vote. One value. | Christine Milne
Australians know how to solve national problems, but our political system protects the duopoly that creates them. That’s why we need proportional representation.
Protecting your ABC | Alex Sloan
The ABC is always under attack. The best thing we can do for democracy is defend it.
May 2025
What does good cultural leadership look like? | Louise Adler
There’s nothing indulgent about public funding for Australian culture. More funds would fix many of the sector’s problems.
Australia has power, why don’t we act like it? | Allan Behm
In a world of uncertainty, it is more important than ever for Australia to stop dismissing ourselves as a ‘middle power’ and start exerting our influence on the global stage.
A rich country in a housing crisis? | Maiy Azize
To end the housing crisis, governments need to stop subsidising private investors and instead directly invest in social housing.
We need political courage, not caution | Polly Hemming
When it comes to solving the biggest national problems, a bit of courage leaves political caution for dead. Now’s not the time for politeness.
April 2025
Yes, Australia can curb fossil fuel exports | Richard Denniss
We have restricted export industries in the past.
TRAILER | Introducing What’s the Big Idea? with Paul Barclay
There is no shortage of solutions for the biggest problems Australia faces — only a shortage of bravery to implement them.
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