Big Ideas

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the UN Environment International Resource Panel and former EU Commissioner, dives into our material consumption habits. He discusses the alarming truth about resource use and the urgent need for a circular economy. Potočnik emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecological and economic systems, urging policies that promote sustainability and equity. He also underlines the importance of a paradigm shift in how we measure economic progress, advocating for inclusivity in resource management conversations.

Sarah Wilson, an insightful author and activist known for tackling anxiety and civilizational collapse, shares her thoughts on the end of our post-industrial society. She discusses the intricate connections between financial, climate, and technological crises. With a focus on the paradox of growth and collapse, Wilson explores how personal choices impact collective futures. She advocates for embracing uncertainty as a chance for growth and highlights the need for community resilience and self-sufficiency in facing potential societal collapse.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), reveals the intricate world of espionage threats facing Australia. He discusses alarming tactics used by foreign spies targeting media, academia, and government sectors, estimating the economic impact at a staggering $12.5 billion. Burgess emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in countering these threats, advocating for greater public awareness. He also highlights ASIO's pivotal role in national security and ongoing reforms to address these challenges.

In this enlightening discussion, Raina MacIntyre, a Professor of Global Biosecurity and author of "Vaccine Nation," dives into the critical issue of declining vaccination rates. She highlights the resurgence of diseases like measles due to misinformation and the importance of public trust in health initiatives. MacIntyre also examines the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the urgency of addressing misconceptions about vaccines. With a focus on collaboration in medical research, she offers a powerful call to action to safeguard public health.

Geraldine Doogue, a veteran journalist with over fifty years in media, discusses the existential crisis in journalism. She explores how mainstream media can adapt to survive by fostering community engagement and combatting misinformation. A heartfelt tribute to a late media icon highlights the emotional ties in the industry. Doogue emphasizes the need for blending traditional and digital approaches to rebuild public trust, urging creativity and inclusivity to reshape the future of news.

Australia is a multicultural country, but up until recently, when you turned on the telly, you wouldn't know it. So what role has TV played in Australia's diverse communities, on screen, behind the scenes and in the living rooms across this country, over the past 70 years?This event was recorded at Sydney's Gleebooks on Friday 11 July 2025.SpeakersKate Darian-SmithProfessorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne, President of the Academy of Social Sciences in AustraliaKyle HarveyCulture and media and social change historianSukhmani KhoranaAssociate Professor in the School of Arts and Media at University of NSWSue TurnbullSenior Professor of Communication and Media, University of WollongongPearl Tan (host)Discipline Lead in Directing, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)Further information:Season two of Heartbreak High makes diversity feel 'banal'. This is its strength - article by Sukhmani Khorana

Dani Galvin is a body positivity advocate and mental health supporter, Evie Gardener is a public health researcher focused on inclusivity, and Kalpana Prasad is a performer and speech pathology student. They dive into the radical concept of 'fat joy', celebrating self-acceptance in a world often governed by body shame. Their conversations explore fashion as a liberating force, the challenges of academia, and the societal pressures surrounding body image. They advocate for joy over societal standards while discussing the complexities of weight loss drugs and the commercialization of body positivity.

Jaap de Roode, a biologist at Emory University and author of "Doctors by Nature," dives into the remarkable ways animals self-medicate. He shares astonishing stories of apes using leaves to dislodge worms and sparrows employing cigarette butts to ward off parasites. The conversation explores the intelligence behind these natural remedies and how they inspire advancements in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Jaap also highlights the critical need for habitat conservation to protect these ingenious species and their healing practices.

Simon Longstaff, the Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, delves into the paradox of collaboration, revealing its potential to inspire creativity yet also lead to ethical pitfalls. He discusses historical perspectives where collaboration was vilified, especially during conflicts. The conversation emphasizes moral courage in the face of societal pressure and the dangers of conformity. Longstaff also explores the essential balance of diverse viewpoints to prevent groupthink and highlights how small, courageous actions can foster trust and drive meaningful change.

Food is essential to human life, but are we taking it for granted? Popular chef, writer and broadcaster Adam Liaw is an advocate for good food for everyone. He takes us on a journey through the history and science of food, and its place in our societies, economies and cultures throughout time, arguing that food should play a central role in government policy making.The 2025 Hugh Stretton Oration was recorded at the University of Adelaide on 14 May 2025.SpeakersAdam LiawCook, writer, broadcasterAlison CoatesProfessor of Human Nutrition, University of South Australia