Big Ideas

Renowned and controversial Australian philosopher and bioethicist Peter Singer is no stranger to contentious ideas — wrestling with the ethics of how we treat each other and other species — infanticide, altruism, veganism and more. He joins Big Ideas' host Natasha Mitchell to talk about why.This event was organised by The Wheeler Centre and Montalto WinerySpeaker: Professor Peter SingerBioethicist and authorFounder of The Life You Can SaveFurther information:The Life You Can Save Oxford University's Centre for Effective AltruismGiveWellGiving What We Can 

Big Ideas celebrates the blooming daphne with a look at the life, work and legacy of a pioneer of Australian landscape gardening, Edna Walling.This event was recorded on April 16, 2024 at the State Library of Victoria.SpeakersTrisha Dixon Writer, photographer, tour guide leaderCo-author (with Jennie Churchill) The Vision of Edna Walling: Garden Plans 1920-1951 (1998), and Gardens in Time: In the Footsteps of Edna Walling (1988)Sara Hardy Biographer, playwright, former actorAuthor, The Unusual Life of Edna Walling, and A Secretive LifeMillie Ross (host) Presenter, Gardening Australia, professional horticulturist, garden designer, writer and broadcasterAuthor The Thrifty Gardener

The United Nations was established after World War II in an attempt to maintain international peace, security, and cooperation. So why now, in the face once again of rising global conflicts, are the UN, and other world bodies, laws, and mechanisms, so unable to address these crises?This event was recorded at the University of Melbourne on 29 August 2024.SpeakersProfessor Alison Duxbury Deputy Dean, University of Melbourne Law SchoolDr Tania Miletic Co-Director, Initiative for Peacebuilding, University of MelbourneDr Carrie McDougall Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne Law SchoolFormer legal specialist and Assistant Director of the International Law Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeFormer Legal Adviser at Australia's Mission to the United Nations in New YorkJon Faine (host) Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, University of Melbourne Law SchoolFormer long-time presenter, Mornings, ABC Radio Melbourne

We've lived through the age of peak TV, (and wasn't it glorious). Then cinema was BACK, thanks to the hype of Barbenheimer. So, in this post Hollywood writers' strike world, how do we define the era of culture we are now consuming?This event was recorded at the Melbourne International Film Festival on 17 August 2024.SpeakersJared Richards ABC Entertainment reporterAlison Willmore Film critic, Vulture and New York magazinesHannah Diviney Disability advocate, actress, screenwriter and authorBrodie Lancaster (host) Author, essayist, and pop culture podcaster

Does the Milky Way have a sibling and how are stars formed? How can a telescope go back over 13 billion years ago to the Cosmic Dawn? The ASTRO 3D Centre of Excellence are unlocking some of the deepest mysteries of our universe and produced perhaps the clearest and most comprehensive picture of how matter, chemical elements, and energy evolved. Some of the astronomers and astrophysicists involved share their insights.Presented by ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D)Listen to Big Ideas - Night Sky LIVE – a wondrous encounter with the dark sky SpeakersEmma Ryan-WeberDirector of ASTRO 3D, the Centre of Excellence in AstrophysicsDr Nichole BarryScienta Lecturer at UNSWAmanda KarakasAssociate Professor, School of Physics and Astronomy Monash University Jesse Van De SandeAstronomer, lecturer in Astrophysics UNSW Jonathan Webb (host)ABC's Science Editor

Diana Tan, a speaker and researcher focused on the strengths of autistic individuals in the workplace, shares powerful insights. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring job roles to fit the unique abilities of autistic employees rather than fitting them into predefined positions. The discussion debunks common myths, highlights the need for inclusive hiring practices, and advocates for structural changes to support neurodiversity. Real-life examples showcase how embracing these differences can lead to thriving work environments that benefit everyone.

Surveys constantly reveal that a huge number of us are not sleeping well. What is that doing to our mental and physical health?This event was recorded at the University of Sydney's Raising the Bar night, on 9 April 2024.SpeakerDr Jacob Crouse Research fellow, Brain and Mind Centre, University of SydneyFurther informationABC Sleeptember

The art and ethics of artisanal trades, from stone masonry to roof plumbing to limestone mortar plastering. What can be done to revive many of these traditional trades and bring them sustainably into the 21st century?Recorded Melbourne Design Week — presented by the Heritage Council of Victoria and the National Trust of VictoriaSpeakersGlen RundellWindsor Chair maker from the Central Highlands Co-Founder Lost Trades Fair, Kyneton Victoria Samantha WestbrookeExecutive Manager, Advocacy & Conservation National Trust Victoria Rebecca RobertsStone Mason, Doctoral Candidate with the University of MelbourneRuth Redden (host)Architect and heritage consultant Further InformationTraditional Trades ExpositionConservation program at the National Trust in VictoriaCentre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades

Liana Buchanan is a guardian of the rights of our most precious asset - our children. In a keynote speech, the Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People, Victoria, presents some brutal realities of the failures in some systems that are meant to protect children at risk in Victoria. But there is hope. Amelia Hunt, a young person who has experienced out of home care describes how young people are raising their voices and having direct input into reforms.  Recorded at the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference, State Library of VictoriaSpeakersLiana BuchananPrincipal Commissioner for Children and Young People, Victoria Amelia HuntVictorian Commission for Children and Young People, Student Law and Global Studies, ABC Hey Wire winner 2023   Further Information Commission for Children and Young people.Amelia Hunt - Kids in out-of-home care deserve better

Student activists from the Pacific Islands successfully got the International Court of Justice to define the responsibilities of nations to combat climate change, and the legal consequences of failing to do so.This is the story of their win.Seeing first-hand the dire impact of climate change in their countries, they want to ensure nations around the world understand their obligations to take positive climate action.The 2024 Talbot Oration presented by the Australia MuseumSpeakersChynthia HouniuhiPresident of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate ChangeCraig ReucasselWriter, director and comedian, known for his work with The Chaser and for The War on Waste; currently the host of 702 ABC Sydney BreakfastRichie MerzianInternational Director at the Smart Energy Council, a peak renewable energy industry groupNarelda JacobsWhadjuk Noongar journalist and presenter of 10 News First: Midday, and 10 News First