Big Ideas

Mark Alfano, a philosophy professor specializing in moral psychology, leads the discussion on the virtues of friendship and how true connection fosters self-growth. Award-winning composer Dr. Peter Knight and vocalist Sunny Kim share their insights on musical friendships, emphasizing the trust and intimacy that arise through improvisation. The trio reflects on the complexities of modern friendships, the risks of toxic relationships, and how they shape our identities. Together, they explore whether friendships are essential for a fulfilling life.

Guests Linda Jaivin, Louisa Lim, and Edward Wong dive into China's tumultuous history and its impact on contemporary Australia. Jaivin sheds light on Mao’s Cultural Revolution, exploring the chaos among Red Guard factions and propaganda's surrealism with mango cults. Lim contrasts British and Chinese narratives of Hong Kong while discussing its protest culture and the King of Kowloon. Wong compares control in Xinjiang to U.S. imperialism, revealing the continuity of power from Tiananmen to Xi Jinping, linking history to current political tensions.

Simon Adams, President & CEO of the Centre for Victims of Torture and incoming Professor of Human Rights at Murdoch University, dives deep into the role of universities as shields against authoritarianism. He discusses the alarming trend of political attacks on academia and how regimes like Hungary’s target universities as dissent hubs. Adams critiques Trump's humanitarian policies and explores the brain drain from U.S. campuses. He emphasizes the essential role of arts and humanities in fostering civic resilience, innovation, and ethical technology.

Omar El Akkad, a talented journalist and author known for his gripping novels and frontline reporting, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about Western hypocrisy regarding the Gaza conflict. He critiques the disparity between liberal ideals and actions, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths. El Akkad highlights the vital role of journalism in shaping narratives and the courage of Palestinian journalists often dismissed as biased. The conversation also navigates themes of hope, grassroots solidarity, and how cultural boycotts can serve as forms of resistance.

In a riveting discussion, David Reynolds, a senior public servant from South Australia's Department of Housing, Professor Rachel Ong Viforj, a distinguished housing policy researcher, and Dr. Tim Williams, an architect with extensive urban policy experience, tackle Australia's housing crisis head-on. They explore whether building more homes truly addresses affordability issues or if broader policies are necessary. The trio dives into the complexities of current housing dynamics, evaluating international crises, planning challenges, and the need for innovative solutions to improve housing access for all.

In this discussion, Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita of Constitutional Law, shares insights on the legal frameworks surrounding Gough Whitlam's dismissal, emphasizing the importance of constitutional conventions. Historian Frank Bongiorno recounts the civil unrest that followed the event, linking it to modern political crises. Dr. Brendan Lim challenges perceptions of the dismissal's uniqueness, suggesting its relevance to today's constitutional debates. Together, they ponder the implications of historical events on Australia's democracy and the risks posed by populism in governance.

Dr. Gillian Shepherd, Director of the A.D. Trendall Research Centre, dives into the fascinating life of Arthur Dale Trendall, a classical scholar who became a WWII codebreaker in Australia. She explores how Trendall's expertise in ancient vase painting helped him decode Japanese messages with innovative techniques. Listeners learn about his leadership of a top cryptographic team, critical intelligence breakthroughs, and the legacy he left in both art and military history. Trendall's journey intertwines academia and espionage, making for a captivating listen!

Karen Hao, an award-winning technology journalist and author of "Empire of AI," joins lawyer and AI governance adviser Kobe Lyons for an insightful conversation. They explore how AI's rapid evolution is tied to colonial practices and the environmental toll of tech development. Hao critiques the industry's narrative on productivity and discusses the troubling exploitation of workers in data labeling. They also highlight community-driven models promoting ethical AI, proposing a shift to purpose-driven technologies that prioritize human needs over corporate gain.

ABC Radio National's CITIZEN JURY takes hard, hot-button issues affecting a community — and places citizens at the centre of finding solutions. It's citizen-driven democracy in action!Tasmanian salmon is on dinner plates across Australia. It's a 1.4 billion-dollar industry producing jobs for Tasmanians, and more than 70, 000 tonnes of fish annually — with plans for expansion. But salmon farming has also become a lightning-rod for locals concerned about its environmental impact — on water quality, wild species, and then there was the mass mortality event last summer which saw over 1 million salmon die and smelly fatty fishy globules wash up on local beaches. Join BIG IDEAS host and science journalist Natasha Mitchell in the historic town of Franklin in the Huon Valley with three Citizen jurors, two expert witnesses, and a live audience of passionate locals — including salmon workers and activists — as they listen, debate, and share solutions on this fraught issue.CITIZEN JURORSJohn StanfieldLifelong recreational fisher in Tasmania, former army employee, now works in healthFounder, RecFishTas (Recreational Fishing in Tasmania) Facebook GroupPeter GrahamSculptor, former mining industry geologistSecretary, Port Huon Progress Association Lives near a salmon company's hatchery facilityDr Rayne AllinsonHistorian, former university academic, authorFirst-time environmental campaigner and state election candidate after mass salmon die-off polluted her local beach in 2025. Employed by newly elected MP Peter George's electoral office in 2025.EXPERT WITNESSESProfessor Jeff RossSenior researcherFisheries and Aquaculture CentreInstitute of Marine & Antarctic StudiesUniversity of Tasmania Christine Coughanowr Water quality management consultantCo-chair, Tasmania Independent Science CouncilFounder and former director,  Derwent Estuary Program partnershipINDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVEDr John WittingtonCEO, Salmon TasmaniaFormer CEO, Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)Former Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks Water and Environment, TasmaniaAUDIENCEMembers of the Huon Valley community and surrounds. The call-out for audience was made on ABC Hobart, ABC Radio National, and The Cygnet. Huon & Channel Classifieds.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThanks to Huon Valley Council for granting the ABC access to The Palais Theatre in Franklin for this event.Thanks to Jo Spargo and the ABC Hobart team for supporting this Citizen Jury event.Thanks to Huon Aquaculture staff for a tour of their hatchery facility and salmon pens for the Citizen Jury members and ABC Citizen Jury team.FURTHER INFORMATIONTasmanian Salmon Farming Data (Salmon Portal)Fin-Fish Farming in Tasmania Legislative Council Inquiry report (2022)How many salmon farms are there in Tasmania — and who owns them? (ABC News, 2025)Massive fish deaths in Tasmanian salmon farms to be investigated (ABC 730, 2025)Tasmanian salmon industry reeling from largest-ever fish deaths event as EPA launches investigation (ABC News, 2025)

In 1975, aged just 29, she wrote a bestselling book that changed Australia. Since then, she's courted controversy and acclaim, but Anne Summers has never given up the fight for gender equality.This conversation was recorded live at the 2025 Sydney Writers' Festival.SpeakersDr Anne SummersAuthor, Damned Whores and God's Police, Ducks on the Pond: An Autobiography 1945-1976, The Misogyny Factor, and many moreProfessor of domestic and family violence, University of Technology SydneyJournalist, editor, political advisor, advocateDr Alecia Simmonds (host)Associate Professor in Law, University of Technology SydneyAuthor, Courting: An Intimate History of Love and the Law, and Wild Man: The True Story of a Police Killing, Mental Illness and the LawFurther information:Tenacity and two squat houses — how an Australian movement was born for women leaving violenceBig Ideas, ABC Radio National, Monday 6 May 2024Baby boycott — the fertility crisis and the big decisionBig Ideas, ABC Radio National, Thursday 26 June 2025