Is Democracy Done? Australian Perspectives on the Future of Democracy

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE VENUE HAS NOW CHANGED TO SOCIAL SCIENCES LECTURE THEATRE DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND

Is Democracy Done? Australian Perspectives on the Future of Democracy

It has become a commonplace to talk of our time as one of democratic decay, rising authoritarianism and rampant populism. While Australia has not been immune to these pressures, its political system has also displayed considerable robustness. This panel of political experts will take stock of the global future of democracy and Australia’s place in it. Are our electoral systems as good as they are cracked up to be? Is our political system equipped to deal with threats such as disinformation, foreign interference and more intense domestic tension in an age of geopolitical conflict? How well are our three levels of government equipped to cope with the challenges of the present and future? And are our major institutions sufficiently representative and inclusive, a genuine reflection of the nation’s diversity? Please join us for what is sure to be a stimulating and lively discussion of where the Land of the Democracy Sausage sits in an often alarming global scene concerning the future of democracy.

Panellists:

Hon Ken Wyatt AM, Former Minister for Indigenous Australians and the first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives and Chair of UWA Public Policy Institute International Advisory Board. Ken brings a wealth of knowledge on Indigenous representation, policy leadership, and governance.

Carmen Lawrence AO, Former Premier of Western Australia and Federal Minister, Federal Minister, and now Emeritus Professor at UWA. Carmen offers deep insights into political leadership, democratic reform, and public policy, with a focus on governance and inclusion.

Prof John Phillimore, Executive Director of the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy. John’s expertise spans public administration, electoral reform, and Australian politics, making him a key voice on governance and policy challenges.

Prof Carolyn Hendricks, Professor at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, specializing in democratic innovation, political representation, and public engagement. Carolyn contributes expert insights on the health of democracy and citizen involvement.

Moderator: 

Prof Martin Drum, Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Notre Dame Australia, Martin brings extensive experience in public policy, elections, and governance to facilitate a dynamic and informed discussion.

The panel discussion will take place at the Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA Crawley, from 5:45 - 7pm, followed by a sundowner from 7 - 8pm at the University Club of Western Australia. The sundowner will provide an opportunity for continued conversation in a more relaxed and informal setting.

This event is a collaboration between Congress of the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Australian Politics Studies Association, Business Events Perth and UWA Public Policy Institute.