A Big Dialogue: Australia’s Cost of Living Problem: Why It Arose and How To Fix It?

Join us for a unique, engaging discussion on what is not just a problem, but a cost of living crisis for many Australians - a subject that requires a more nuanced exploration and search for solutions than those offered during the recent election campaign.

This public dialogue event (not a debate) is a side event at ACE 2025, the flagship Australian Conference of Economists, a collaboration with Australians for Science and Freedom and Australian Dialogues.

Expect to hear diverse perspectives, from economists and non-economists, as our speakers explore their differences but also seek common ground for practical solutions. With various causes of inflation and declining real incomes being canvassed - from fiscal and monetary policies to international supply chain issues, productivity, energy costs and changes in society - this discussion aims to break down complex issues without dumbing them down and to point the way towards practical solutions.

ABOUT THE FORMAT
The “Big Dialogue” format has been developed over the last five years, consistently demonstrating that civil conversation between people who disagree on difficult topics is not only still possible, in public, but can also be enlightening and enjoyable! This is the first one to be held in Sydney.

Big Dialogues are designed to demonstrate that contentious national 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 outcomes. Past subjects addressed include universal basic income, the China-Australia relationship, climate change, pandemic management, energy transition, housing and social media impacts/regulation.

SPEAKERS
Panellists:

Adam Creighton, Chief Economist and Senior Fellow, Institute of Public Affairs

Jennifer Westacott AC, Chancellor, University of Western Sydney

Alison Preston, Professor of Economics, UWA Business School

Moderator:

Cameron Murray, Chief Economist, Fresh Economic Thinking

MC:

Gigi Foster, Professor of Economics, University of New South Wales

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

The event will be conducted under The Brisbane Rule, an adaption of the Chatham House Rule for public events in the digital age:
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.

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

• A small 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)

• Really want to get involved? Volunteers always needed!

EVENT LOGISTICS
Date: Mon 7 Jul 2025
Venue: Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000
Doors: 6pm for meet, greet, eat and seat
Dialogue: 7pm to approx 8.45pm

The dialogue will start at 7pm sharp, so please arrive no later than 6.45pm and preferably nearer 6pm to have a bite and a drink and mix with other guests. Stay on afterwards to carry on the discussion.

Light food and non-alcoholic drinks included.

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

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

TICKET PRICING
Tickets are priced to make the event as accessible as possible, with individual tickets from $10 for secondary students, helped by the donation of time and expertise of all the speakers and volunteers, Convenor's table and Premium ticket buyers, and donors.

Special discounts are offered for ACE conference registrants and members of Australians for Science and Freedom.

Hard costs of approximately $100 per person overall need to be covered, so please consider buying a Convenor's table or a Premium ticket, donating tickets or making a separate donation to keep events accessible and Australian Dialogues independent, expanding and sustainable.

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 Australian Dialogues generally, and email the link/s to info@brisbanedialogues.org. 

Get your tickets now and escape the small screen for a different and better night out!