The Looking Forward Podcast

The government is pushing ahead with plans to extend trials of the cashless welfare card, but with it will we see the start of drug testing Newstart recipients? (1:36-14:50) The Federal Circuit Court has awarded Peter Ridd $1.2 million following the decision that he was unlawfully terminated by James Cook University. With JCU likely to appeal, is it finally time for Education Minister, Dan Tehan, to step in? (14:50-28:01) Robert Mugabe, leader of Zimbabwe post-independence, has passed away at the age of 95. What does the post-colonial mess that is Zimbabwe tell us about the vital role of institutions in fostering development and freedom? (28:06-40:30) Your hosts Scott Hargreaves and Dr Chris Berg are joined by the IPA’s Evan Mulholland and Dr Zac Gorman to answer these questions and dive into their culture picks such as Samuel Gregg’s book Faith and the Struggle for Western Civilisation, Scott Pape’s economic bestseller The Barefoot Investor,  new movies, Apollo 11 and First Man, on the historic moon landing and the great Victor Davis Hanson’s podcast on the lessons of the Versailles Treaty (40:30-59:40).

Show Notes:

Robert Mugabe: From Liberator to Tyrant

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27519044

U.N chief lauds Mugabe role in fighting apartheid

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-robert-mugabe-zimbabwe-leader-dies-95-65425412

Culture Picks:

Faith and the Struggle for Western Civilisation, Samuel Gregg

https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Faith-Struggle-Western-Civilization-ebook/dp/B07F6P81DX

The Barefoot Investor, The Only Money Guide You’ll Ever Need, Scott Pape

https://www.amazon.com.au/Barefoot-Investor-2018-Update-Money/dp/0730324214

Apollo 11, Todd Douglas Miller

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8760684/

First Man, Damien Chazelle

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8760684/

The Lessons of the Versailles Treaty, Victor Davis Hanson

https://amgreatness.com/2019/07/24/the-lessons-of-the-versailles-treaty/

The Classicist: Versailles at 100

https://www.hoover.org/research/classicist-versailles-100

Last Thursday Attorney General, Christian Porter released a draft package for Religious Discrimination Bills. Can anti-discrimination law work in the favour of conservatives and religious bodies? (1:46-16:27) Education Minister Dan Tehan takes an interest in the state of free speech on campus. Why are university administrators in denials about free speech crisis on campus? (16:27-32:14) Following the mass of hysteria regarding Boris Johnson’s big push we’re finally seeing some movement with Brexit. The question on everyone’s minds now is will there be an election before Brexit and is British Parliament doing its job? (32:14-42:34) Your weekly hosts Scott Hargreaves and Dr Chris Berg are joined by the IPA’s Renee Gorman and Gideon Rozner to answer these questions as well as discuss their culture picks such as stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle’s boundary pushing new show Sticks & Stones, comedy film Stan & Ollie based on comedic duo Laurel and Hardy, Jonah Goldberg’s discussion of Western Civilisation with Niall Ferguson on his podcast The Remnant and the new season of Utopia: Rob Sitch’s comedy show on life in the Canberra bubble (42:34-56:47).

Show Notes

Religious Freedom Bills

Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education, Address to National Press Club, 28 August 2019

Culture Picks:Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones

Stan & Ollie, Jon S. Baird

The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg, Episode 129

Andrew Roberts on Churchill and the Craft of Biography, Econtalk

Utopia, Rob Sitch

The G7 summit last week saw new tariffs but also an outbreak in niceness. Are Trump’s tariffs part of some grand master plan to win the trade war? (1:50-17:25) In the context of the Royal Commission into child sex abuse, new laws for mandatory reporting are making a big show of challenging the seal of the confession. Is this a violation of religious freedom? (17.25 – 33:00) Disney has just announced a plethora of new movies, begging the question, what are the economic and cultural ramifications of the industry giant? (33:00 – 48:12) Your hosts Scott Hargreaves and Dr Chris Berg are joined by Andrew Bushnell and Christian Kerr to answer these questions, as well as divulging their culture picks such as Quentin Tarantino’s latest movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, nostalgic 80’s TV show Stranger Things, rock stars Nick Cave and Warren Ellis with the MSO and Netflix TV show Mindhunter Season 2. (48:12 – 1:03:16)

Show Notes:

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7131622/

Stranger Things, Netflix

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4574334/ 

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis with the MSO

https://www.mso.com.au/whats-on/2019/nick-cave-warren-ellis/

Mindhunter Season 2, Netflix

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5290382/

With 1.7 out of 7.4 million people protesting in Hong Kong, the Chinese Government is under scrutiny as never before (1:35-23:40). In the latest of a series of devastating results, the federal court has dismissed a significant case that ASIC launched against Westpac. Is ASIC too hard, too soft, or just incompetent? (23:40-36:50). Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland, however, the Danish Prime Minister says she has no interest. Is this the biggest real-estate deal on earth, or a decision for the locals? (36:50-44:19). Scott Hargreaves and Dr Chris Berg are joined by Daniel Wild and Dr Zac Gorman to discuss these questions and share their culture picks, including China born British writer, Ma Jian, and his book China Dream, Toy Story 4 and its commentary on communism, Karl Popper’s old classic The Open Society and Its Enemies, and Steve Smith’s remarkable comeback in the latest Ashes series. (46:50-59:04).

Show Notes:

What If Everyone’s Wrong About China?  Tyler Cowen, Bloomberg

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-08-19/china-s-liberalization-shouldn-t-be-ruled-out-just-yet?utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_content=economics&utm_medium=social&cmpid%3D=socialflow-twitter-economics&utm_source=twitter

Engineers of the Soul: Ideology in Xi Jinping's China by John Garnaut,

https://sinocism.com/p/engineers-of-the-soul-ideology-in

The State Strikes Back: The End of Economic Reform in China

https://www.piie.com/bookstore/state-strikes-back-end-economic-reform-china

ASIC loses landmark case against Westpac, Tim Boyd, Financial Review

https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/asic-loses-landmark-case-against-westpac-20190813-p52ggy

Why does Donald Trump want to buy Greenland?  Phillip Inman, The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/19/why-does-donald-trump-want-to-buy-greenland

Donald Trump, Twitter

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1163961882945970176?s=20

Dr Jennifer Marohasy at Climate Change Concern Forum in Maroochydore, Institute of Public Affairs, YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVlu-7_FxD8&feature=youtu.be

Culture Picks:

Chinese Dream, Ma Jian

https://www.amazon.com/China-Dream-Ma-Jian/dp/178474249X

Toy Story 4

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979376/

The Open Society and Its Enemies, Karl R.Popper

https://www.amazon.com/Open-Society-Its-Enemies-One/dp/0691158134

Steve Smith’s comeback at The Ashes

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/smith-wade-centuries-steer-resurgent-australia-to-commanding-position-20190805-p52dsz.html

Is the Keneally-fuelled success of the inaugural CPAC Australia conference a one-off or another sign of a vibrant centre-right movement?  (01:40-14:20).  What is it with Greta Thunberg and her alarmist followers; and does the elite encouragement reveal the deeper agenda of expanding State control? (14:20-25:10).  How does the case of Comcare v Banerji, in which a public servant used an anonymous Twitter account to criticise the government’s immigration policy, differ from the Israel Folau case? (25:10-27:30).  Scott Hargreaves is joined by Dr Richard Allsop, Evan Mulholland and Gideon Rozner to discuss these questions and share their culture picks, including Nikki Sava’s latest book on the downfall of Malcolm Turnbull, John Ruddick’s argument for more democracy in the Liberal Party, a dark (if not nihilist) comedy on HBO/Foxtel starring former SNL actor Bill Hader as a hit man who wants to be an actor, and Anne Henderson’s new book on 19th century free trade Labor politician, Paddy Glynn (34:10-56:00).

Show notes:

German meat tax proposal a risk to consumption, Fitch says

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/economics/german-meat-tax-proposal-a-risk-to-consumption-fitch-says/news-story/170869b035582cfc6d91a46ebb07f8a1

In praise of the bands that said no to Greta Thunberg

https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/08/in-praise-of-the-bands-that-said-no-to-greta-thunberg/

Outrage culture is killing free speech, Andrew Bushnell

https://www.spectator.com.au/2019/08/outrage-culture-is-killing-free-speech/

The Road to Ruin, Niki Savva

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-road-to-ruin-niki-savva/prod9781925322729.html

On Mutiny, David Speers

https://www.booktopia.com.au/on-mutiny-david-speers/prod9780522875065.html

Culture picks:

Plots and Prayers: Malcolm Turnbull's demise and Scott Morrison's ascension, Niki Savva

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/plots-and-prayers-malcolm-turnbulls-demise-and-scott-morrisons-ascension-by-niki-savva-9781925849189

Make the Liberal Party Great Again, John Ruddick

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/make-the-liberal-party-great-again-by-john-ruddick-9781925642568

Barry, HBO

https://www.hbo.com/barry

Federation’s Man of Letters – Patrick McMahon Glynn, Anne Henderson

https://www.connorcourtpublishing.com.au/FEDERATION’S-MAN-OF-LETTERS-PATRICK-McMAHON-GLYNN--Anne-Henderson_p_278.html

Does Noel Pearson’s argument that ‘the Voice’ is based on indigeneity and not race stand up? (01:30-17:00) What are the options for conservatives seeking to combat internet mobs and academic packs bent on defaming (or downright destroying) an individual, as happened recently to Nigel Biggar and Roger Scruton? (17:00-35:00)  And does the Melbourne Institute’s latest HILDA survey really show a rise in inequality? (90:35-0:45) Dr Chris Berg and Scott Hargreaves are joined by Dr Bella D’Abrera and Andrew Bushnell to discuss these questions and share their culture picks, including a book on the unresolved legacy of the Vietnam War by Pulitzer Price-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen (0:45-0:49), the final cut of the classic 1979 film ‘Apocalypse Now’(0:49-0:54), a Latin American soap opera on the Liberator, Simón Bolívar (0:54-:59) and Geoffrey Blainey’s autobiography, ‘Before I Forget’ (0:59-01:03:22).

Quillette podcast with Toby Young and Nigel Biggar on how to deal with online outrage mobs

https://player.fm/series/quillette-podcast/quillettes-toby-young-talks-to-professor-nigel-biggar-about-academic-outrage-mobs-and-how-to-defeat-them

Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War by Viet Thanh Nguyen

https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674660342

Before I Forget by Geoffrey Blainey

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/before-i-forget-9781760890339

Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Statistical Report 2019

https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/3127664/HILDA-Statistical-Report-2019.pdf

Noel Pearson’s remarks to the Key Forum, Cape York Institute, 3 August 2019

https://capeyorkpartnership.org.au/all-updates/all-we-seek-is-our-rightful-place-thank-you/

Bolivar on Netflix

https://www.netflix.com/au/title/80220422

Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut

https://apocalypsenowfinalcut.com/

Why are not just the police but also councils and dozens of government agencies allowed to access your metadata without a warrant? (01:40-15:15) Do digital platforms like Google and Facebook need more regulation, and why on earth is the ACCC seeking to solve ‘fake news’ and prop up traditional media? (15:15-37:50) Is Barnaby Joyce right to say Newstart should be increased, and how should we think about it?  (37:50-50:35) Dr Chris Berg and Scott Hargreaves are joined by Kurt Wallace and Professor Jason Potts to discuss these questions and share their culture picks: a podcast by Reason on postmodernism, a brilliant comedy called ‘Fleabag’ from Amazon Prime via the ABC, John Marsden's new book 'The Art of Growing Up', and a fascinating ABC documentary series on the people and history of the Torres Strait (50:35-01:06:42). 

ACCC, Digital Platforms Inquiry – Final Report

https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/digital-platforms-inquiry-final-report

Blue Water Empire, Series 1 Episode 1, ABC iView

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/blue-water-empire/series/1/video/IP1505Q001S00

Is Postmodernism Marxist or Libertarian? A Soho Forum Debate, Reason

https://pca.st/s53I

Fleabag, ABC Comedy

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/fleabag

The Art of Growing Up

https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760556723/

If JCU appeals to a higher court, should the Commonwealth cover Peter Ridd’s legal costs? (03:50-20:50)  Is George Calombaris really the whipping boy for ‘wage theft’, and what does that phrase actually mean?  (20:50-31:50)  And is BoJo as UK PM really the ‘new Trump’?  (31:55-43:45)  Dr Chris Berg and Scott Hargreaves are joined by Evan Mulholland and Gideon Rozner to discuss these questions and share their culture picks, including Memoirs of Roman Emperor Hadrian, a collection of essays on free speech, Trump etc from American Psycho author Brett Easton Ellis, the actual book of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (which doesn’t follow the left’s narrative), and ‘The Loudest Voice’ miniseries on Stan about Fox News founder Roger Ailes, played by Russell Crowe subtly subverting the caricature. (43:45-1:04).

SHOW NOTES

Christian Porter: Commonwealth could fund Peter Ridd’s fight against James Cook University, Joe Kelly, The Australian

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/christian-porter-commonwealth-could-fund-peter-ridds-fight-against-james-cook-uni/news-story/fcf614cf33ec9b088ea2fcf9e6949455

Against Public Broadcasting: Why and how we should privatise the ABC, Chris Berg and Sinclair Davidson

https://www.connorcourtpublishing.com.au/Against-Public-Broadcasting-Why-and-how-we-should-privatise-the-ABC--Chris-Berg-and-Sinclair-Davidson_p_177.html

Memoirs of Hadrian, Marguerite Yourcenar

https://www.bookdepository.com/Memoirs-Hadrian-Marguerite-Yourcenar/9780141184968

White, Brett Easton Ellis

http://breteastonellis.com/books/

The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood

http://margaretatwood.ca/shop/

The Loudest Voice

https://www.sho.com/the-loudest-voice

The Loudest Voice in the Room, Gabriel Sherman

https://www.gabrielsherman.com/

The panellists decipher the Morrison Government’s mixed messages on a Voice to Parliament and consider the real difficulties with a changing the constitution (1:20-18:22) then argue the pros and cons of an LNP proposal to set up an Office of Science Quality Assurance to challenge the science relied upon by bureaucrats (18:22-33:41) and seek to understand the National Conservatism launch, a big conservative confab in the USA (33:42-51:06). In the Books and Culture segment the panellists looks at some book which bear on the story of indigenous Australia prior to European settlement, an book smuggled out of North Korea at great danger to the author’s life, David Epstein’s Range, and Season 3 of Stranger Things.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550188/range-by-david-epstein/9780735214484/

A very special episode of The Looking Forward Podcast as Troy Bramston, senior writer with The Australian, joins Dr Chris Berg, Scott Hargreaves and Richard Allsop to discuss his new book Robert Menzies: The Art Of Politics. The panel cover Australia's life, his political fights and his legacy, while also talking about how the original IPA Looking Forward document underpinned many of Menzies' policies in office. 

Purchase your copy of Robert Menzies: The Art of Politics here: https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/robert-menzies