IQ2 Debate: Politicians only care about winning

Politics is a contest for power.

When we are considering who to vote for, we tend to focus on who is looking for our votes, what they offer us and who will benefit. But should we be more concerned with how they will wield the power that comes with the job? And what purpose that power serves?

When power serves no greater purpose, politics becomes corrupt.

Is political corruption corroding the foundations of our democracy? Is this because politicians single-mindedly only care about winning?

Presented by The Ethics Centre, IQ2 returns as a live stream event on 24 March.

Hosted by Dr Simon Longstaff, two teams will present ‘for’ and ‘against’ positions, putting forward compelling and thought-provoking arguments at both ends of the spectrum.

Responding to the proposition ‘Politicians only care about winning’, hear from:

Jo Dyer, former Director of Adelaide Writers’ Week and Independent candidate for Boothby
Pru Goward, former Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly and Sex Discrimination Commissioner
Bill Shorten, Member for Maribyrnong and Former Leader of the Opposition
Jake Thrupp, publisher and commentator.

In addition to hearing from the speakers, the audience is given the chance to participate and vote on the subject.

THIS EVENT WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA LIVE STREAM ONLY

ABOUT THE IQ2 SERIES

IQ2 covers the biggest issues of our times through the format of smart, civil and engaging debate. The Ethics Centre has proudly convened IQ2 in Australia for over 10 years. There’s never been more important time to bring together our community for respectful conversations about the issues that matter.

Originally established in 2002 in London, IQ2 debates are now held around the world, in Australia, The U.S., Hong Kong, Greece, Chile, and Israel.

Politics is a contest for power. When we are considering who to vote for, we tend to focus on who is looking for our votes, what they offer us and who will benefit. But should we be more concerned with how they will wield the power that comes with the job? And what purpose that power serves?

When power serves no greater purpose, politics becomes corrupt.

Is political corruption corroding the foundations of our democracy? Is this because politicians single-mindedly only care about winning?

IQ2, the popular debate-style event from The Ethics Centre, returns live to Sydney Town Hall on 24 March.

Hosted by Dr Simon Longstaff, two carefully chosen teams will present ‘for’ and ‘against’ positions, putting forward compelling and thought-provoking arguments at both ends of the spectrum.

Hear from:
- Bill Shorten, Member for Maribyrnong and Former Leader of the Opposition
- Jo Dyer, former Director of Adelaide Writers’ Week and Independent candidate for Boothby
- Jake Thrupp, publisher and commentator
- And other speakers soon to be announced.

In addition to hearing from the speakers, the audience is given the chance to participate, interact with the panel and share their own views on the subject both before and after the debate.

ABOUT THE IQ2 SERIES

IQ2 covers the biggest issues of our times through the format of smart, civil and engaging debate. The Ethics Centre has proudly convened IQ2 in Australia for over 10 years. There’s never been more important time to bring together our community for respectful conversations about the issues that matter.

Originally established in 2002 in London, IQ2 debates are now held around the world, in Australia, The U.S., Hong Kong, Greece, Chile, and Israel.