A Big Dialogue at Ormond College: Should Australia Fight For Taiwan?

A public discussion event presented by Ormond College, University of Melbourne in association with Australian Dialogues

What is the future for Taiwan and what are the ramifications for Australia?

Taiwan’s political future is increasingly shaped by strategic competition between America and China, with growing implications for regional security and Australia’s interests.

As tensions rise, questions sharpen about Taiwan’s sovereignty, the influence of major powers and how Australia may be affected, including what role we should play and whose ‘side’ we should support.

This Big Dialogue will bring together speakers with very different perspectives in a productive and insightful public discussion of a contentious issue - exploring differences, seeking common ground and considering potential solutions - in a congenial atmosphere over dinner and drinks.

Get your tickets now, break out of your echo chamber and escape the small screen for a different and better night out!

Date: Wednesday 15 April, 2026

Venue: Ormond College Dining Hall, Ormond College, Melbourne

Doors: 5.45pm - meet, greet and seat.

Dinner and dialogue: 6pm-8.30pm

Event ends: 8.30pm-9pm

Note - there will be pre-dinner drinks by separate invitation for speakers, volunteers and event supporters from 5pm.

The Big Dialogue format has been developed over the last five years to demonstrate that difficult, complex issues can still be discussed frankly, fearlessly and civilly, in a non-partisan way, in public, by people of goodwill, in good faith, in pursuit of truth, progress - and better policy and practical outcomes.

The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert

Big Dialogues are long-form public discussions between a small panel of knowledgeable speakers with very different perspectives, expertly moderated, in a congenial, catered environment - exploring differences, seeking common ground and possible agreement on solutions. They have consistently shown that such discussions are not only possible, but actually enlightening and enjoyable!

Past subjects addressed include the China-Australia relationship, climate change, democratic reform, pandemic management, energy transition, cost of living, housing and social media impacts/regulation.

• Guests will be able to submit questions for the speakers by email before the event and by SMS during the dialogue 

• A limited number of people in the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions from the floor

• The table seating mode is congenial for social discussion before and afterwards 

• Come early, on your own or with friends, family and colleagues

• Review the discussion from the high quality video recording included in the ticket (no live stream)

• Guests will be invited to participate in powerful AI-assisted discussion platform (Sway) to continue the discussion one-on-one with someone of a different view, after the event.

• Really want to get involved? Email Jack Lowman, event producer, with offers to sponsor or volunteer.

This event will be conducted under The Brisbane Rule:
All participants agree to listen carefully, speak civilly, and concentrate on the content of discussions, not on characters – before, during and after, online and offline.

All tickets include a seated dinner and drinks. Tickets are priced to make the event as accessible as possible, with individual tickets from $25 for students (free for Ormond students and volunteers), enabled by the support of the College and the donation of time and expertise of the speakers, and Master's Tables and Premium ticket buyers and donors.

Hard costs of approximately $75 per person overall need to be covered, so please consider buying a Master's Table or a Premium ticket, donating tickets or making a separate donation to keep events accessible and Australian Dialogues independent, expanding and sustainable.

An allocation of complimentary tickets is available for volunteers and those who post a short (20-60 seconds) selfie video to social media on why they are interested in this topic, event or Australian Dialogues generally, and email the link/s to info@brisbanedialogues.org. 

He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that.
J.S. Mill

Ormond College, a residential college affiliated with the University of Melbourne, is a vibrant community for over 500 students, including undergraduates, graduates, and non-residents. It emphasizes a values-driven culture with a focus on personal and intellectual growth, and aims to empower students to make a positive impact. Ormond offers a diverse range of opportunities for its residents, including academic support, social activities, and leadership development.

Australian Dialogues is evolving out of The Brisbane Dialogues, Australia's first civil discourse/constructive discussion or "bridging organisation", established in 2020 to model better discussions between people who disagree. Their mission is to support other organisations conduct "across-the-aisle" dialogues. Activities include the Big Dialogues series, a private monthly discussion group (Tuesday Dialogues) and a schools program (Dialogues @ School). An Advisory Panel of leading Australians has been formed to expand the Dialogues' network and efforts.

A Big Dialogue on Tax Reform (topic TBA)

Presented by the Centre of Public Ideas, University of Canberra

in association with Australian Dialogues

6pm Wed 21 October, Canberra ACT