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.
2021 will see Melbourne Forum offer a stimulating range of face-to-face and virtual events featuring eminent experts from differing specialties, both national and international. Our thought-provoking member-only interest groups enhance how we learn and exchange ideas.
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November 2020
The use of emergency powers in response to coronavirus
Take a break with Fiona Patten MP
Hosted by Prof Ian Dunn AM
In August this year Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews sought a 12-month extension of emergency powers as part of the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The proposed Bill would extend the state of emergency in Victoria — first declared on 16 March under the Public…
Find out more »Current challenges facing the original model of superannuation
Take a break with The Hon Steve Bracks AC
Hosted by Prof Andrea Hull AO
“For our superannuation system to continue to fulfil its purpose the course must be set for it to properly mature. Now is not the time to lose sight of the original intents by undermining the architecture of long-term savings.” - The Hon. Steve Bracks AC…
Find out more »Cathy goes to Canberra – Doing Politics Differently
Take a break with Cathy McGowan AO, MP
Hosted by Prof Andrea Hull AO
In 2013 Cathy McGowan became the first female independent to sit on the crossbench, where she would represent the Victorian rural electorate of Indi for six years. Winning the seat of Indi, after the Coalition had held the seat for 82 years, was a watershed…
Find out more »After the election
Take a break with Bruce Wolpe and Tom Switzer
Hosted by Prof Ian Dunn AM
When Bruce Wolpe and Tom Switzer join us on 17 November to discuss the outcome of the US election there is no doubt there will be a lot to review and analyse in what has been a tumultuous year in American politics. Will incumbent Republican…
Find out more »Another blow to the integrity of our criminal courts
Take a break with Jon Faine AM
Hosted by Prof Ian Dunn AM
Since Jon Faine stood down from his remarkable gig on 774 Radio he has been a quite frequent contributor to the Opinion pages of The Age. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the disturbing situation within the system of justice in Victoria, as revealed in…
Find out more »Non-Fiction Book Group: Domestic Abuse
A Melbourne Forum Interest Group
Hosted by Peter Lamell
By not asking 'why didn't she leave?' we can reframe our thinking of a problem that is of such scale that it is estimated that Australian police are called to a domestic abuse incident every two minutes. It is a national emergency that one in…
Find out more »Thailand today: No course, no cause?
Take a break with Kasit Piromya
Hosted by John Ridley AM
Unrest about the government in Thailand is at such a level that it features almost daily in our TV news bulletins. It has been a long, difficult and far from successful effort over many decades to achieve functioning democratic government in Thailand. This time, the…
Find out more »If that was the year that was, what do you care about now and what will you change?
'Life and Times' Interest Group
Hosted by Trisha Avery
If it was the year that was, what do you care about now and what will you change? Will it be - Society, Relationships, the Economy, Health, Climate, Education, Travel…etc. Our final Life and Times Interest Group for 2020 will delve into these thoughts with a…
Find out more »Aged care and the reforms
Take a break with Prof Joseph Ibrahim
Hosted by Maree McCabe
Both the coronavirus pandemic and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety have shone a light on Australia’s broken aged care system. During two and half years of hearings, the commission has heard many disturbing allegations of abuse of people in aged care…
Find out more »December 2020
Melbourne Forum’s final event for 2020
Enjoy an evening with Alan Kohler AM
Hosted by Michael Henry AM
Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the Board and Committees, we thank you for all of your support throughout the year and we welcome you and your guests to join us for one last digital event with Alan Kohler AM. Alan Kohler is one of…
Find out more »