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.
Explore our upcoming program of events and forums.
Events Search and Views Navigation
August 2023
Melbourne’s Housing Affordability and Homelessness
Housing Affordability and Homelessness Challenges and Opportunities in Melbourne. We have a panel of experts to guide us through the critical issues of Melbourne's housing affordability and homelessness - what is working and what can be done differently. Rob Pradolin is the Founding Board Member…
Find out more »Enhancing Succession By Boards and Chief Executives
As the business license to operate keeps changing along with new demands and considerations for boards, we believe that in order to be fit for the future, boards will derive value from rethinking their succession planning approach to reflect multiple scenarios and time horizons. When…
Find out more »The Russo-Ukraine War and How It Might End
How might the Russo-Ukraine war end? It is a great privilege that Richard Iron CMG OBE will guide this conversation for Melbourne Forum on the Russo-Ukraine war. Richard Iron is the President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria. He was educated at the…
Find out more »Perspectives On The Voice
Julian Leeser MP has represented the Division of Berowra since the 2016 federal election. He has served as Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians. On 11 April 2023, Leeser resigned from the opposition cabinet after the Liberal Party resolved to oppose the Voice…
Find out more »Lessons from Berejiklian. Are women treated more harshly?
Following the ICAC findings there has been great controversy. Some have argued that the former premier was guilty of severe breaches of good government practice. Others have suggested that she was guilty of no more than a relationship with an unscrupulous man who took advantage…
Find out more »The Big Switch – Australia’s Electric Future
An inspiring, practical plan to transform Australia's energy system and supercharge our response to the climate crisis. An optimistic - but realistic and feasible - action plan for fighting climate change while creating new jobs and a healthier environment- electrify everything. Climate change is a…
Find out more »Digital Twin Victoria: helping to plan for a liveable and sustainable future
Victoria is embracing a new digital and data-driven future with the Digital Twin Victoria program. Using spatial data, digital innovation and artificial intelligence to recreate the physical environment online, Digital Twin Victoria is helping to set the digital foundations and skills needed to support a liveable and…
Find out more »September 2023
Have you read the Australian Constitution?
Whether you have read the constitution or not, you now have an opportunity to listen to a world-leading constitutional law expert and refresh your understanding about the Australian Constitution. Laureate Professor Emeritus, Cheryl Saunders AO has specialist interests in Australian and comparative public law, including…
Find out more »The Ben Roberts-Smith Case – the story from within
For several decades Peter Bartlett, a partner at MinterEllison, has handled the defamation work for The Age, and more recently also SMH and 9 Network. During this time Peter has handled both a huge number and an extraordinary variety of matters. But there has never…
Find out more »Connections
Cultivating Community This is an evening of unparalleled camaraderie and exchange as we come together for drinks at an enchanting city location. As members of the Melbourne Forum, you have been pivotal in shaping our community's civic engagement landscape. This special event offers a unique…
Find out more »The Best of Britain. William Johnston: His Residence & Collection.
William Johnston prided himself by championing – and setting the tone of – British interiors in Melbourne, especially with items that were from his stock at Kent Antiques in Armadale. He promoted the classic English craftsmanship of Chippendale and Hepplewhite and celebrated the ceramics of…
Find out more »Are we Australians, racist?
It has been a while since the talk of how racist Australia is, has been as upfront and centre as it is today. The debate about the pending referendum on The First Nations Voice to Parliament has thrown into sharp relief, views that could be…
Find out more »