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September 2020
Improving the school system post pandemic: Catalyst for change or retreat to safety?
Take a break with Jim Watterston
Hosted by Nicholas Jackson
The continuing impact of COVID-19 on schools and school systems around the world, and more particularly in Australia, has (to paraphrase Mark Twain) been the best of times and the worst of times. Teachers have been lauded for their front-line leadership capacity and innovation that…
Find out more »Viewpoint Diversity
A Melbourne Forum Interest Group
Hosted by Dr Michael Liffman
While the extent of the ‘cancel culture’ phenomenon may sometimes be exaggerated, I believe that the milder claim - that we operate in opinion ‘bubbles - is largely true, and a real threat to Australia’s civil society. Our political system, our media, and the innate…
Find out more »October 2020
Non-Fiction Book Group: Twilight of Democracy
A Melbourne Forum Interest Group
Hosted by Peter Lamell
Are we repeating 1930s authoritarianism? 'Given the right conditions, any society can turn against democracy. Indeed, if history is anything to go by, all of our societies eventually will’ is the bleak prognosis for liberal democracy in this book which blends deeply-felt memoir with cool…
Find out more »How does Australia fit in the China worldview?: An Insider perspective
Take a break with Daryl Guppy
Hosted by Nina Christesen
What is the real purpose of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? What is the impact of BRI on the future economic stability and prosperity of Australia? What does Australia forego by not participating? Australia understands U.S. trade policy in fine detail and considerable multi-agency…
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