Events
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July 2025
Rethinking the Rules
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? Join Senator for South Australia, Sarah Hanson-Young
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
Changing the Narrative of Progressive Politics
Join Dr Emma Shortis in conversation with renowned sociologist Assistant Professor Musa al-Gharbi, with Alex Sloan AM as MC, for a compelling discussion of al-Gharbi’s provocative new book, We Have Never Been Woke. It explores the paradox of progressive politics in America that celebrates diversity and inclusion as it grapples widening social and economic inequality.
Rethinking the Rules
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