Big Ideas

Why did Australia reject conscription for WWI? And do the implications of this vote still affect our society today?

There used to be a strict dividing line between public and private lives in Australia. That was until the 1970s when the personal became political. Women’s liberation and the gay and lesbian movement moved the boundary line between private and public life. In the 1970s gender, sexuality, domestic violence and reproductive freedom became the subject of political debates and a royal commission. Historian Michelle Arrow looks at how 1970’s activism remade Australia and its legacy for contemporary debates.

In the war against poachers around the world, 1000 park rangers have been killed in ten years.

Internet algorithms are dividing us, not bringing us together. The assumptions, predictions, and generalisations they make about us are not value neutral or apolitical. Robert Elliott Smith talks to Paul Barclay about the inherent prejudice of algorithms.

Estonia is a digital pioneer offering e-identity and e-citizenships as well as a whole range of the digitalised government, education and public services.

Journalist Stan Grant looks at the impact of the pandemic on international relations and democratic freedoms. The pandemic is increasing tension within and between nations . Will the repression of civil liberties and authoritarian governments be a lasting legacy and has the strategic rivalry between the USA and China reached a dangerous new phase ?

Journalist Stan Grant looks at the impact of the pandemic on international relations and democratic freedoms. The pandemic is increasing tension within and between nations . Will the repression of civil liberties and authoritarian governments be a lasting legacy and has the strategic rivalry between the USA and China reached a dangerous new phase ?

Skateboarding legend Russ Howell discusses the evolution of skateboarding and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the famed skate park, The Snake Run, in Albany, WA.

Skateboarding legend Russ Howell discusses the evolution of skateboarding and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the famed skate park, The Snake Run, in Albany, WA.

How to be creative in the digital age?

Traditional models of distribution and creative production are falling apart.

So can the creative industries evolve? And what does the old world still must offer to the new? Several creatives and artists discuss their tips and tricks and show the way forward.