Boyer Lectures
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2025 ABC Boyer Lecture Series: Australia: A Radical Experiment in Democracy
Curated and hosted by respected journalist, author and broadcaster, Dr Julia Baird, this year's Boyer Lecture Series explores the theme Australia: A Radical Experiment in Democracy, through five distinct orations examining the strengths and challenges of our democracy as we navigate unprecedented global changes in politics, society and technology.
The speakers—drawn from academia, literature, and policy— reflect on the paradox of Australians' declining trust in politicians alongside their continued faith in the integrity of electoral processes.
This year's keynote is Justin Wolfers, Professor of Economics and Public Policy from the University of Michigan and visiting professor at the University of NSW, whose lecture "Australia is Freaking Amazing", is enthusiastic about our strong institutions and asks whether Australia needs a form of conservative radicalism?
The second lecturer is the Hon John Anderson, AO, farmer, grazier and former deputy prime minister, whose talk, 'Our Civilisational Moment' argues that Australia lacks the spirit, not the machinery of democracy.
Our third lecturer is Larissa Behrendt, a Euahleyai/Gamillaroi woman, Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Technology, Sydney, and host of the ABC Radio National's Speaking Out program. Her lecture, 'Justice, Ideas and Inclusion' outlines the strengths and pitfalls of our country's legal system, and how our democracy might be enriched by our First Nations' peoples' wisdom of interdependence.
Amelia Lester, a deputy editor at Foreign Policy magazine, our fourth lecturer, examines how Artificial Intelligence could potentially undermine democracy here, in her lecture entitled 'AI, On Australia's Terms'.
And in the final lecture, James Curran, author and professor of modern history at the University of Sydney, will argue that the US Presidency holds advantages for Australia, if we are brave enough to take them, and to confront possible changes in our historic alliance, in his speech, 'Trump's Gift'.
The keynote lecture will be broadcast on October 18 on ABC-TV and on consecutive Sundays starting October 19 on ABC Radio National's Sunday Extra program, at 8.05am.
Sunday 26th October at 8.05am you can hear Hon John Anderson's lecture
Sunday 2nd November at 8.05am tune in to hear Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt
Sunday 9th November at 8.05am on Radio National Amelia Lester will give her lecture
Sunday 16th November at 8.05am on Radio National you can hear Professor James Curran's lecture 'Trump's Gift'
All lectures can also be watched via ABC iview and heard at any time on the ABC ListenApp.
Curated and hosted by respected journalist, author and broadcaster, Dr Julia Baird, this year's Boyer Lecture Series explores the theme Australia: A Radical Experiment in Democracy, through five distinct orations examining the strengths and challenges of our democracy as we navigate unprecedented global changes in politics, society and technology.
The speakers—drawn from academia, literature, and policy— reflect on the paradox of Australians' declining trust in politicians alongside their continued faith in the integrity of electoral processes.
This year's keynote is Justin Wolfers, Professor of Economics and Public Policy from the University of Michigan and visiting professor at the University of NSW, whose lecture "Australia is Freaking Amazing", is enthusiastic about our strong institutions and asks whether Australia needs a form of conservative radicalism?
The second lecturer is the Hon John Anderson, AO, farmer, grazier and former deputy prime minister, whose talk, 'Our Civilisational Moment' argues that Australia lacks the spirit, not the machinery of democracy.
Our third lecturer is Larissa Behrendt, a Euahleyai/Gamillaroi woman, Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Technology, Sydney, and host of the ABC Radio National's Speaking Out program. Her lecture, 'Justice, Ideas and Inclusion' outlines the strengths and pitfalls of our country's legal system, and how our democracy might be enriched by our First Nations' peoples' wisdom of interdependence.
Amelia Lester, a deputy editor at Foreign Policy magazine, our fourth lecturer, examines how Artificial Intelligence could potentially undermine democracy here, in her lecture entitled 'AI, On Australia's Terms'.
And in the final lecture, James Curran, author and professor of modern history at the University of Sydney, will argue that the US Presidency holds advantages for Australia, if we are brave enough to take them, and to confront possible changes in our historic alliance, in his speech, 'Trump's Gift'.
The keynote lecture will be broadcast on October 18 on ABC-TV and on consecutive Sundays starting October 19 on ABC Radio National's Sunday Extra program, at 8.05am.
Sunday 26th October at 8.05am you can hear Hon John Anderson's lecture
Sunday 2nd November at 8.05am tune in to hear Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt
Sunday 9th November at 8.05am on Radio National Amelia Lester will give her lecture
Sunday 16th November at 8.05am on Radio National you can hear Professor James Curran's lecture 'Trump's Gift'
All lectures can also be watched via ABC iview and heard at any time on the ABC ListenApp.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 40min
02 | Hon John Anderson AC: Our civilisational moment
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, John Anderson, explores the decline of the post-war liberal order and its implications for Australia. He highlights the urgent need to address distrust in institutions and political disengagement among youth. Anderson calls for a revitalization of civic education and democratic spirit, drawing attention to issues like the housing crisis and complacency in national defense. With insights from his podcast experiences, he emphasizes the importance of character in leadership and nurturing the next generation of thoughtful civic leaders.
7 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 54min
01 | Professor Justin Wolfers: Australia is freaking amazing
Justin Wolfers, a Professor of Economics and Public Policy, shares insights on Australia's unique political institutions and their role in national prosperity. He argues for ‘conservative radicalism’ to protect these institutions while enhancing inclusivity. Larissa Behrendt, a distinguished law professor, emphasizes the importance of evaluating democracy based on outcomes for vulnerable groups and suggests learning from Aboriginal governance to foster inclusion. Together, they explore how strong institutions can navigate challenges like AI governance and civic trust.
Nov 23, 2024 • 29min
04 | Lyn Williams: The Artistry of Children
"Whilst our new Australian choral music began in a classical context, artistic collaborations have extended our musical realm to a point where it no longer fits this classification – it is simply choral music." As the founder of Gondwana Choirs, Lyn Williams AM is particularly well placed to talk about the future of classical music. Her work with children over 30 years has created a whole new choral repertoire and a new standard for children’s choirs. In the final Boyer Lecture for 2024, she looks at different kinds of excellence, what accessibility really means, and the pathways that choral singing reveals to young musicians.
Nov 16, 2024 • 29min
03 | Iain Grandage: Beyond the Boundaries
Iain Grandage is a composer, a cellist, a pianist, a festival director, and a career collaborator. In his Boyer Lecture, he asks whether classical music has been underestimated in its capacity to connect communities. His work with Indonesian Gamelan ensembles, Noongar elders, theatre companies and the late, great Jimmy Chi, provide waypoints on a long journey from childhood piano lessons to a mature acquisition of knowledge that only serves to reveal how much more understanding is still to seek.
Nov 9, 2024 • 29min
02 | Aaron Wyatt: Our Shared Humanity
“There is much to be gained by tapping into the tens of thousands of years of culture that we have available to us in this country. Exposing more people to it can only help to highlight our shared humanity, and to advance the cause of reconciliation.”Aaron Wyatt is a Noongar, Yamatji and Wongi musician: a conductor, composer, violist, educator and programmer. And as the Artistic Director of Ensemble Dutala, Australia’s first First Nations chamber ensemble, he’s working to rectify the conditions in the classical music industry that often see him being the only Indigenous person in an orchestra. In their 2024 Boyer Lecture, Aaron traces the ways that classical music in Australia has attempted to fold in Indigenous ideas, music, and people – from the appropriative, to the naive, the collaborative, and the groundbreaking. This lecture was written on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Land and produced on Gadigal Land.
Nov 2, 2024 • 31min
01 | Anna Goldsworthy: Kairos
In this discussion, Anna Goldsworthy, a renowned pianist, author, and the Director of the Elder Conservatorium, shares her profound insights on classical music. She explores the transformative power of mentorship, emphasizing its critical role in shaping women's voices in the industry. Anna highlights her collaboration with the Seraphim Trio, illustrating the concept of 'kairos'—the right moment in music. She also draws connections between music education and personal growth, advocating for its importance in fostering community and cultural continuity.
Nov 11, 2023 • 34min
Q&A with Professor Michelle Simmons
What will a quantum computer look like? Will quantum computing supercharge AI? Can it save us from the climate crisis? Professor Michelle Simmons has the answers.
15 snips
Nov 11, 2023 • 29min
04 | The Importance of Doubt
Michelle Simmons, a leading quantum physicist and 2018 Australian of the Year, shares her insights on the power of doubt. She challenges the stigma around uncertainty, revealing how it's a catalyst for personal growth and scientific discovery. Simmons discusses the importance of open-mindedness, the contrast between absolute truths and subjective perspectives, and the unique challenges women face in STEM fields. She advocates for embracing doubt as a means to foster inquiry and inspire future generations of scientists.
Nov 4, 2023 • 29min
03 | Imagination and Mindset
The discussion highlights the transformation of scientific thinking, particularly in quantum physics, from theory to practical applications. It emphasizes the role of imagination and determination, referencing the historic 1927 Solvay Conference. The conversation also delves into Australia's innovative strides in quantum technology, inspired by renowned physicists. Additionally, it explores the evolving relationship between academia and commercialization in quantum computing, showcasing a collaborative spirit that's shaping the future.
Oct 28, 2023 • 29min
02 | The Quantum Promise
In her second Boyer lecture, Professor Michelle Simmons details the international race underway to build the first error-corrected quantum computer.
