Common Ground: Corporations & Democracy - A Debate

Last year, Common Ground hosted interviews and conversations with a variety of viewpoints, and now in 2025 we are adding another string to our bow. Join us in our very first formal debate, featuring two informed people holding opinions across the political aisle, as they debate the proposition that Corporations are a Threat to Democracy. Featuring local barrister Andrew Justice, from the Libertarian Party, and environmental activist Zack Schofield, from Rising Tide, and moderated by the ferociously friendly Alex Morris, the night aims to be informative and entertaining. The audience is invited to join in the debate after the first hour by sharing their own opinions and perspectives on the topic. Doors open at 6:15 for a 6:45 start. Mocktails available for purchase.

Common Ground’s Mission Statement

Worried by the heated and divisive state of public discussion today, we seek to build a conversational community to facilitate productive discussion and critical thinking about complex and controversial issues. People with different opinions and perspectives are welcome. Common Ground is a place to share and a space to listen.

Come along. Learn something new, make a friend! BYOB. (Bring Your Own Brain).

When & Where

Friday, 28 March at The Base Health in Newcastle West.

Doors open from 6:15pm for 6:45pm start. We aim to wrap up by 8:30pm.
Tea and coffee available. Mocktails available for purchase.

Meet the Guests!

Zack Schofield has completed a BA with a history major with the University of Newcastle, and has placed a law degree on hold to volunteer full time as a community organiser with Rising Tide, a grassroots climate and transition campaign group with a national network centred in Newcastle.

Rising Tide is calling for an end to new coal and gas projects, and a 78% profits tax on coal and gas exports to fund new industries in fossil fuel communities. He has been a spokesperson for both Rising Tide blockades of Newcastle coal port, and has co-coordinated the RT Sydney Hub, and the national working groups for media and industrial transition.

https://www.risingtide.org.au/

Andrew Justice is a barrister, farmer and libertarian. Andrew has been a solicitor and barrister for more than 25 years – and a libertarian for longer than that! Andrew escaped the socialist gulag of university with an arts degree majoring in philosophy and a law degree. He has practiced law acting for many major and smaller corporations in both Sydney and Newcastle. Andrew has been involved in politics since the 90s.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-justice-8b704422/

Alex Morris is a writer, content creator, MC and events organiser. Originally from the States, she's lived in Newcastle for over a decade and has been involved in hosting and running all kinds of interesting and fun events. She loves throwing/attending a good party and equally adores intelligent, thought-provoking conversation. Learn more about Alex by reading her Substack Newsletter, The Weekly Write. 

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