Big Ideas

Economists use gross domestic product as a measure of progress but increased GDP doesn't guarantee a good life for all. Bhutan adds social, health and environmental factors to the mix to measure gross national happiness. And we hear the story of three trailblazing female war reporters who rewrote the rule book in Vietnam.

By electrifying virtually everything, we can solve the climate change crisis. Electric vehicles, electric heating, electric cooking, a decarbonised grid – all powered by renewables and batteries. This is the future Australia should be pursuing, argues inventor and entrepreneur, Saul Griffith. He says the electric revolution starts in the home, will lead to far cheaper energy costs, as well as creating new jobs, and lucrative new exports.

We’re tempted to buy products and support companies who say they’re looking after the planet but are their claims real or just greenwashing? And how can universities recover after two years of pandemic restrictions on staff and students?

The 2021 John Button Oration asks what sort of economic future we want to leave for the next generation. How can today’s policymakers better reflect tomorrow’s voices? Plus, what would a sustainable, and human-centred, economy look like? Is changing the system even possible, or is it in the realm of Utopia?

Research indicates that social connection, spending time with friends, and sharing a meal, are vital ingredients for a healthy life - especially as we age. This is also an antidote to loneliness, which is a major social problem. What else contributes to living well, later in life? How do we continue to live fulfilling lives, into old age?

All aspects of our lives have been changed by Covid, and politics and politicians have felt the tremors too. What is our current relationship like, and what do we want from our government?

Some 116,000 people experience homelessness every night in Australia, and that number is expected to grow. What is it like to be homeless? What do those who've been in that awful circumstance think is the answer?

The crisis in Afghanistan

Six months after the withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan, it is clear the embattled country is in the midst of a major humanitarian crisis.

Millions are at risk of starvation, the economy is on the verge of collapse, and a mood of despair has taken hold.

Is Australia, and the West, doing enough to help struggling Afghans?

Speakers:

Antony Loewenstein - independent journalist; filmmaker; author.

Maryam Zahid - founder and director of Afghan Women on the Move; Afghan refugee.

When was the last time you visited a museum? Museums are popular with adults and children alike and the multi-media exhibitions make subjects come alive in a unique way. So are museums uniquely suited to communicating complex science and social issues? Could they help us win the war against climate change?

Australia’s been a member of the OECD for the last fifty years. Former federal politician Mathias Corman is now the Secretary General.  The OECD’s claim to fame is its comparative analysis on economic and social policy. Australian educators, for example, use OECD benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of our education system. Mathias Cormann talks about the OECD agenda for climate change, multinational tax reform and market economies.