Big Ideas

A shorter life expectancy of about 15 years and a male suicide rate that's almost seven times higher than the national average; double the infant mortality. The Traveller people in Ireland have surprisingly much in common with Indigenous Australians. They have been perceived as different and discriminated against since the Middle Ages. A three-year study reveals how that’s affected the health of the Irish Traveller.

In the 2015 Alan Saunders lecture, ARC future fellow, Cordelia Fine considers the evidence and asks are men and women really that different?

The news and information media is undergoing transformational change, in the digital era.  In spite of this revolution, and the 24/7 news cycle, some things, however, remain the same. A good story is still a good story, whether it’s on a blog, a podcast, printed on dead trees, or found via a hyperlink on Twitter.  And media consumers still hunger for news, commentary, long form and investigative journalism.   Paul Barclay spoke to four prominent journalists and authors at the Byron Bay Writers Festival about the state of the news and journalism today.  Originally broadcast on September 21st, 2015.

Author and academic Richard Hil has been asking students what they think about the education they are getting at Australian universities, as well as their overall "university experience". Today's uni student balances paid work with study, racks up a substantial HECS debt, and usually has no guarantee of a job upon graduation. Many students say they have not made a single friend at university. What do they think of modern online learning and the academics who teach them? Originally broadcast on May 4th, 2015.

A lawyer's campaign to end racial injustice and mass incarceration in America.

Alan Finkel warns that if left unchecked artificial intelligence and automation will create a world of mass unemployment. So how might we avoid a jobless future ?

Separatist movements have intensified in Europe in the past few years. A crucial factor has been the economic crisis and crisis of confidence that has gripped the continent. But the call for statehood can, in fact, be heard all over the world. This Big Ideas discussion on separatism interrogates the meaning of sovereignty today. What prospects are there for independence movements in a global era?

The illegal downloading of music, movies and television programs is almost a national sport in Australia.  One in three adults and half of 18-24 year olds are doing it.  How can we reliably protect the intellectual property of creators?  If it is no longer possible to do so, how do creative artists, like writers, musicians, film makers, make a living? Paul Barclay speaks with musician Lindy Morrison and editor and writer, Phillipa McGuinness about the future of copyright in the digital era. Originally broadcast on July 13th, 2015.

State and local governments have started to use citizen juries to address issues like infrastructure, budgeting or reforming the electoral system.

Are public servants these days feeling less able to give unpalatable advice to a minister?