Dr Julie Macken looks ahead at the major social justice issues shaping Australia, from offshore detention inquiries and national security investigations to rising political division and community strain.

But beyond the headlines, this is a deeper reflection on something more personal and urgent: our shared humanity.

Julie explores what happens when public debate turns into social fracture, why so many people are emotionally exhausted by the state of the nation, and why caring for one another is not optional work, it’s civic work. Drawing on moments of solidarity seen during past crises, she asks whether we can relearn how to disagree without dehumanising, and reconnect as a community.

Stay engaged and keep showing up for one another.