Melbourne Forum gives you access to the highest level of expertise and real-world lessons that our conversation leaders – all with a reputation for excellence – bring to the table under the Chatham House rule.
We are committed to providing a platform for, and the increased visibility of, diverse voices.
With varied formats (in-person or virtual; conversation leader or members engaging with each other; learning from experts or exploring viewpoints) there are multiple ways to participate.
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June 2023
TRACKER
The legendary story of director-choreographer Daniel Riley’s great-great-uncle. Brought into the now with dance, ceremony and oration. Many members heard Daniel Riley lead a conversation at the Melbourne Forum in November last year. His major work, TRACKER, is in Melbourne as part of the RISING Festival,…
Find out more »Water, Innovation and Climate Change
We rarely consider the work of Water Corporations – if water comes out of the tap, all good! But Water Corporations contribute significantly to carbon emissions and are heavily impacted by climate change. Tracey Slatter is an engaging speaker and innovator who leads Barwon Water,…
Find out more »The Age of AI: And Our Human Future
AI is transforming society. We can still decide how. Not since the Age of Reason have we re-envisioned our approach to economics, order, security, and even knowledge itself. Now, the Age of AI is changing nearly everything about how we navigate the world — and…
Find out more »Contempt. Is the use of contempt bedevilling our civil discourse?
Dangerous Dinners give you the opportunity to fearlessly discuss contemporary, challenging and interesting ideas, themes and points of view. In a relaxed, intimate dinner party format, we draw on the diverse expertise of our members sharing their ideas and experiences on complex or controversial topics;…
Find out more »Public Sector Governance and Reform
Reflections on public sector governance including federal-state relations, public sector reform and areas for change and improvement will be the focus of this Signature Event by Professor Glyn Davis AC, the Secretary to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Prior to his appointment…
Find out more »July 2023
Club Soda – Expression of Interest
A dark and surreal cabaret speak-easy spiked with circus, dance, magic and a twisted mix of comedy... Do you dare to step foot in the Club? Club Soda that is... In Club Soda, Mr Sandman will lead you down the rabbit hole into a surreal and…
Find out more »Innovation: Culture and Technology
Reshaping how we work and live is one aspect of the digital landscape. But what does this really mean? How can cultures of innovation utilise technology and digital capabilities? Pearl Tang and Prof Rachel Fensham, two Melbourne Forum members, will be sharing their insights and…
Find out more »Australian Space Agency
Coordinating civil space matters across government and supporting the growth and transformation of Australia’s space industry, the Australian Space Agency was established on 1 July 2018. Dr Megan Clark AC, leads the Australian Space Agency Advisory Board in providing advice and strategic direction to the…
Find out more »Marking The Report Card On The Labor Government, 1 Year In
How should we assess the performance of the current federal government? Which actions have mattered and which ambitions will remain unmet? Who has benefited and who has been disappointed? What is the future direction for the Liberal Party? How can the Liberal Party reclaim its…
Find out more »Gen F’d?: How Young Australians Can Reclaim Their Uncertain Futures
In Gen F'd? economist Alison Pennington shows how the most educated generation in Australia’s history stands to be the first generation worse off than their parents, and gives young people the tools to create the change we need. Young people today are digital natives, encouraged to…
Find out more »75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Reflecting Back & Looking Forward
The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948 was described by Eleanor Roosevelt as reflecting ‘our common aspiration … to lift men everywhere to a higher standard of life and to a greater enjoyment of freedom’. Seventy-five years later…
Find out more »August 2023
Safeguarding Australia’s Genomic Future: The real problem of genetic discrimination
Equitable access to DNA screening for preventable disease is the mission of DNA Screen, a world-first Monash University pilot screening program. However, several ethical, legal and social issues impede the implementation of DNA screening in Australia. One of those issues is the very real problem…
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