Boyer Lectures
ABC
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
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.
Oct 19, 2023 • 29min
01 | The Atomic Revolution
Computing machinery that used to fill an entire room has now shrunk to the size of individual atoms. In her first lecture, Professor Michelle Simmons tells the story of miniaturisation — and how Australia found itself at the forefront.
Dec 2, 2022 • 31min
05 | We The Australian People
In his fifth and final Boyer lecture Noel Pearson looks at the question of identity, Australian identity, and he argues that our extraordinary diversity and distinctiveness are undermined when we forget the great similarities and commonalities we all share.
Nov 26, 2022 • 32min
04 | Transformational School education
In his fourth lecture, Noel Pearson addresses the educational barriers facing young Indigenous people, and the critical need to raise literacy and numeracy rates through transformational school programs.
Nov 18, 2022 • 30min
03 | A Job Guarantee For The Bottom Million
In his third lecture Noel Pearson argues that Indigenous Australians have become trapped in the 'bottom million' of the nation when it comes to economic development. He describes the ongoing effect of welfare dependency, or 'passive welfare', which he says is not just a problem afflicting Indigenous communities, it's a human problem.
Nov 11, 2022 • 30min
02 | A Rightful But Not Separate Place
In his second lecture, Noel Pearson reflects on the words of 1968 Boyer lecturer W.E.H. Stanner who said that Aboriginal people seek, 'a decent union of their lives with ours but on terms that let them preserve their own identity'. Pearson traces the long process that led to the final proposal for a Voice to parliament enshrined in the constitution. He identifies a speech by John Howard in 2007, which Pearson says offered 'the core rationale for constitutional recognition', and began the 15-year process to a referendum.
Nov 4, 2022 • 30min
01 | Who we were, who we are, and who we can be
Noel Pearson argues the case for why a Voice to parliament, enshrined in the constitution, is so important to Indigenous people, ‘to be afforded our rightful place’.
Nov 27, 2021 • 29min
04 | Soul of the Age - Imaginary Forces with John Bell
In this fourth and final lecture, John Bell discusses how William Shakespeare imagined a different world and encouraged his audience to do the same.
