Reflecting our commitment to ensuring that citizens remain engaged, informed and in the loop of public policy processes is our fledgling Forum@Ann series, aiming to bring together politicians, community leaders, political commentators & research experts to discuss current and topical issues of public interest.

The topic of discussion is facilitated by a panel which consists of experts from the fields of policy, politics and research, however it is our aim to frame the discussion and debate in such a way as to avoid a stagnant re-hash of old problems and stale solutions. The lunchtime sessions provide live music and the opportunity to network with some of the most innovative and creative minds in the area of public policy.

PAST FORUMS@ANN

Hon. Karen Struthers MP
Minister for Women, Minister for Community Services and Housing
Date: Wednesday 23rd June
Time: Refreshments and live music from 12pm, Forum from 12.30pm - 1.25pm
Venue: Eidos Head Office, 166 Ann St

On Wednesday the 23rd June 2010, Eidos Institute and Wise Foundation hosted a FORUM@ANN with the Minister for Women, Hon. Karen Struthers MP. The forum was facilitated by Dale Spender, and featured the work of Dr Jane Hasler.

The gender order in contemporary Australia is manifested by a work/care regime that involves the interplay between three forces – beliefs, behaviours and institutions. This regime is underpinned by a ‘male breadwinner’ gender division of labour model which was embedded following the Second World War. Since this time, there has been radical change in women’s lives with the dramatic increase in the number of them returning to the paid labour force. In contrast, there has been a minimal corresponding shift in men’s lives during this same period.

Has multiculturalism fallen off the agenda of Australian society?
On Friday the 14th April 2010, Eidos Institute and the Wise Foundation hosted a FORUM@ANN with the Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk. The forum was facilitated by Dr Susan Forde (Griffith University), and included contributions from Ian Muil (Executive Manager, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland), and Neroli Holmes (Anti-Discrimination Commissioner).

The recent and highly publicised attacks on Indian students have dragged the issue of racism within Australian society well and truly into the public spotlight. With Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes recently urging Australians to recognize the ‘persistent pockets of racism’ which continue to exist within Australian society, our multiculturalists’ credentials have come under serious fire in recent months.

As our international image continues to bear the scars of a number of incidents associated with what some have termed a ‘paranoid nationalism’ such as the 2005 Cronulla riots, the number of Indian students seeking to study in Australia continues to decline in light of renewed security concerns. The attacks not only cast a negative light upon aspects of Australian culture but potentially pose a significant threat to one of our biggest exports: education.

With the fabric of our national demography continually being altered to encompass new levels of racial and ethnic diversity, the issue of multiculturalism remains a highly controversial and topical area of discussion. What role does the media play in facilitating public debate in this area? Is enough being done to address the concerns of the Indian community? Are allegations of ‘persistent pockets’ of racism in Australian society baseless or do they have merit?

Solving Tough Problems
On Thursday the 1st April 2010, Eidos Institute and the Wise Foundation hosted the inaugural FORUM@ANN with international guest Adam Kahane and contributions from Andrew Bartlett (The Greens), Dennis Atkins (Courier Mail), and other leading researchers and policy-makers.

Involving new organisations or procedures which change the way we operate or view ideas, the rise of social innovation represents a changing attitude amongst business entrepreneurs and organisations seeking to use their expertise to create positive social change.

With their specific set of resources, expertise and talent, businesses can be a powerful force in unlocking new ideas and driving innovation. In our current climate of rapid advancements in technology and the rise of online social networking as a medium for democratic conversation anything is possible and nothing is stagnant.

How can the private sector work towards social change? Can new ideas and processes breathe new life into the way we respond to complex and diverse social problems such as homelessness, climate change and institutionalised inequality? Does business have a place in social change or should it remain separate from issues which have been traditionally looked at from a social welfare perspective?

Download Flyer to our next
Forum@Ann

Download Flyer from our first
forum on solving tough problems

Download Flyer from our second
event on multiculturalism

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