A Big Dialogue: Net Zero Without Nuclear?

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The Brisbane Dialogues continues its mission to facilitate productive, across-the-aisle discussions in pursuit of common ground and possible solutions, or at the very least, better understanding of conflicting views.

People understandably have strong opinions about energy policy, fundamental as it is to prosperity and progress. This is particularly so in Australia when the discussion ranges to nuclear energy. And since we first conceived this event, it has become an explicitly party political issue, raising the temperature somewhat. So let’s demonstrate once again that contentious national issues can 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.

The Brisbane Dialogues is not for everyone. It is for curious, concerned citizens who are willing to listen respectfully to views they don't agree with in order to understand complexities better and are open to refining or even changing their own position. It is not for those who have made their minds up, who want to promote a fixed position, or just want to cheer on speakers they agree with. It is definitely not for anyone wanting to denigrate speakers or fellow citizens they don't agree with.

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

As always, the dialogue will be conducted under The Brisbane Rule, which includes the audience as well as the speakers on stage!  "All participants agree to listen carefully, speak civilly and concentrate on the content of discussions, not on characters - before, during and afterwards, online and offline."

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Everyone wants an energy policy which optimises cost, security and environmental impact - the energy trilemma - but there are fiendish trade-offs to be made. Between supporters of the mainstream policy position that Australia can and must completely decarbonise with mainly renewable generation, and those who think that adding nuclear is necessary and desirable, is there any possible common ground? What might both sides agree on? 

As before, we will have a small number of panellists with differing perspectives and expertise, moderated in an in-depth, long-form, enlightening discussion in a congenial, conducive setting. 

SPEAKERS

Moderator:
Hon Andrew Fraser - Chancellor, Griffith University and Chair, Australian Retirement Trust; former Treasurer of Queensland

MC:
Amanda Camm MP, Queensland shadow cabinet minister and member for Whitsunday

Panellists:
Rod Campbell- Research Director, Australia Institute and renewable energy proponent

Katherine Teh - Strategist, Teh & Co, social licence/sustainable development consultant

Stephen Wilson - Adjunct Professor, University of Queensland, energy industry consultant and nuclear advocate

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AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

• Links to reading materials will be distributed in the lead-up
• Guests will be able to submit questions for the speakers by email before the event and by SMS during the dialogue (latter to be confirmed)
• The Tivoli in cabaret table/relaxed theatre mode with side bars, is congenial for social discussion before and afterwards 
• Come early, on your own or with friends, family and colleagues; stay late and carry on the discussion
• A small number of people in the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions from the floor
• Speakers will be invited to join Premium ticket holders in a private bar after the stage discussion
• Review the discussion from the high quality video recording included in the ticket (no live stream)
• Really want to get involved? Volunteers always needed!

Escape the small screen for a proper, real, live, physical, in-person, civil multi-speaker event on the big stage. Buy a ticket, bring a friend or get a table together and join in the discussion, before, during and after!

TICKET PRICING

Tickets are priced from $10-150 to make the event widely accessible, made possible by:

• the generous provision of the use of The Tivoli Theatre by its owners
• financial sponsor, Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership (and others welcome - see below)
• the donation of time and expertise of all the speakers and volunteers
• premium ticket sales and donations
  

Hard costs of approximately $40 per person overall need to be covered and we rely on a small surplus and donations to cover our modest overheads between events, so please consider buying a Premium ticket or making a donation to keep events accessible and The Brisbane Dialogues independent, expanding and sustainable.

Donations at this event will again be applied to Dialogues @ School, a significant civic and pedagogic initiative started with great success in 2022, being scaled up nationally in 2023.

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

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Tue 8 Aug 2023
Venue: The Tivoli, 52 Costin St, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006
Doors open: 6:00pm til late
Dialogue: 7:00pm til approx 8.45pm

The dialogue will start at 7pm sharp, so please arrive no later than 6.45pm and preferably earlier to have a bite and a drink and mix with other guests.

After the dialogue on stage, the speakers will be invited to join Premium ticket holders in a private bar for relaxed follow-on discussion.

All guests will be able to socialise at other bars or tables and carry on the discussion for a time after the dialogue, at the discretion of venue management.

The bar will be open from 6:00pm. Light meals and drinks may be ordered at the bar, or online via a QR code at tables on the main level. Menu here.

This is a family-friendly event and teenage attendance is encouraged.

Photo ID may be required - tickets are not transferrable unless arranged prior.

Transport, parking and other venue-related information here.

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With special thanks to our generous venue sponsors, The Tivoli and Princess Theatres. Please consider booking your next event at one of these Brisbane treasures. We are also very grateful for the repeat support from the Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership. Other sponsors are welcome - see options in the Ticketing section, or email us.