UNSW Centre for Ideas UNSW Centre for Ideas

Hear author and journalist David Marr lead a discussion about Australia’s refugee policy, with Kaldor Centre Director Jane McAdam AO, After the Tampa author Abbas Nazari, and Guardian Australia journalist Ben Doherty.

In the two decades since the Tampa affair, Australia’s asylum policies and politics have become even harsher. How should Australia respond to the people forced from their homes by conflicts, disasters or the impacts of climate change, or who are already living in Australia in detention or endless uncertainty? How can we do better?

In the wake of the federal election, this distinguished panel appraised where we’ve come from and what the future holds for people seeking Australia’s protection.

This event was presented by the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at UNSW Sydney.   



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The Genetic Lottery

Kathryn Paige Harden believes genetic science can transcend its occasionally inglorious past, and can contribute to societies in which all people thrive. In her groundbreaking first book, The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality, she explores how this ‘genetic luck’ shapes important traits from personalities to health to educational and financial success.  

Join her in conversation with UNSW Sydney evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks, for a fearless discussion about how we are shaped by genetic inheritance, and how we might deploy that fact for social good. 

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Something That May Shock and Discredit You

Daniel M Lavery is clear about one thing, he does not owe an explanation about himself or his gender to anyone. His new book, Something That May Shock and Discredit You,takes direct aim at the cultural canon, spanning everything from the cast of Mean Girls to the beauty of William Shatner, while exploring how the experience of coming to know and affirm his gender has impacted how Daniel sees the world.   

Join UNSW social researcher Christy Newman in conversation with Daniel to explore how this combination of courage and humour might teach us how to become more honest about the awkwardness and ambiguities in our intimate lives. 

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Forensic Architecture has become known as an ‘architectural detective agency’ that creates tools, technologies and techniques to expose the crimes against humanity of powerful states and corporations.  

Join Eyal Weizman in conversation with UNSW’s Michael Richardson, an expert in drone surveillance, for a discussion on how creative practitioners are harnessing the power of technology to bring truth and justice into our post-truth world.  

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Julia Gillard | Tegan Taylor

Globally, we have learnt many lessons from the pandemic - that public health shouldn’t be politicised, that we cannot stop COVID-19 without a global response, and that the cracks of inequality between nations and among populations have become impossible to ignore.  

COVID-19 has also posed particular challenges for women, and had significant impacts on mental health. The last two years have demonstrated that when necessary, the global community can swiftly enact policy that truly helps those in need, and stops our most vulnerable from falling through the cracks. How can we use what we have learnt from over the last two years to ensure we emerge a healthier and fairer society? 

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard is now the Chair of the Wellcome Trust, a not-for-profit global organisation that supports science to solve urgent health challenges equitably. She joins journalist Tegan Taylor for an evening of conversation exploring how to leverage science and make advances in health available to everyone. 

Co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, Kirby Institute and UNSW Medicine & Health.

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120 years ago, Australian women were amongst the first in the world to gain both the right to vote and the right to be elected to parliament – with Indigenous women being made to wait another long 60 years. But it took roughly 40 years before a woman was actually elected to Federal parliament and in 2022, even though there are more women in parliament than ever before, women only make up a third of our elected representatives. 

The steady march towards equality has gained increasing momentum in recent years. Although each passing decade has seen women take huge strides in politics, toxic workplace culture, sexual assault, and scandals continue to cast a shadow over Canberra – rendering public life an unattractive pursuit for younger women.  

As back-to-back budgets continue to overlook women’s issues – childcare, reproductive health, equitable pay, safe and secure housing – it's imperative our front bench starts looking more like modern Australia. With just a few weeks until Australians take to the polling booths, how can we ensure more women get a seat at the table? 

Join Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, author and former Liberal turned Independent MP Julia Banks, and 2022 Independent candidate Georgia Steele for a vibrant discussion about the future of equal representation in Australian politics, chaired by UNSW Sydney’s Rosalind Dixon.

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