A Better Future For All
By Griffith University/HOTA, Home of the Arts
A Better Future For AllSep 14, 2021
The Future of Giving: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Professor Kristy Muir
In this instalment of Griffith University’s conversation series, A Better Future for All, distinguished journalist and author Kerry O’Brien talks with Professor Kristy Muir, CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, about the role of philanthropy in realising important social outcomes.
Philanthropic partnerships are proving pivotal in improving social outcomes for people across Australia, working across a range of issue areas, from education to justice and safety. Philanthropy can step in and provide innovation capital and can bring together other key partners to accelerate change. So how do they go about it? How do they know they’re making a difference?
As the chief executive of one of Australia’s largest charitable foundations, and a professor of social policy, Kristy is uniquely placed to unravel the mysteries of the philanthropic sector. This conversation is one that deepens our understanding of the role of philanthropy and how private generosity and public spending are interwoven.
Statecraft in Uncertain Times: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Senator Penny Wong
For Griffith University's A Better Future for All series, in partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts, Kerry O'Brien welcomed Senator the Honourable Penny Wong
Faced with deteriorating relationships in the Pacific and increasing tension with our biggest trading partner, China, Penny Wong has spent her first year as Foreign Minister travelling at whirlwind pace, mending fences and strengthening new alliances.
Post-World War II, Australia’s relationship with its strongest ally, the United States, has never been more intertwined, and its relationship with modern China more fractious.
This at a time when Europe is deeply unsettled around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the old threat of nuclear war is back in play. At the same time the existential threat of climate change is closing in on a global tipping point.
Penny Wong is Australia’s Foreign Minister and Government leader in the Senate, and has been in the parliament for 21 years.
She has previously served as Minister for Climate Change and Water in the Rudd Government, representing Australia in critical international climate negotiations and led major reforms to expand renewable energy and improve rural and urban water security.
Senator Wong was appointed Minister for Finance in the Gillard Government in 2010, helping deliver three Budgets in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis and driving policy to increase the appointment of women to senior roles in government agencies.
She was born in Malaysia, moving to Australia at the age of eight, and prior to her political career, worked as a barrister and in trade unions where she often represented migrant women facing precarious working conditions.
On the election of the Albanese Government last year, Senator Wong was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs at a time of enormous global challenges, after holding
the portfolio in opposition for the previous six years.
Reshaping the Centre-Right in Queensland: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Queensland LNP leader David Crisafulli
With no presence in Australia’s mainland government, the country’s conservative political forces face their most significant challenge in years: winning back the trust and reversing the drift in its voting base.
Queensland Opposition leader David Crisafulli and veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien discuss the vision he has for the future of Queensland as he leads his “centre-right” political party towards election in October 2024.
This conversation is an instalment of Griffith University and HOTA’s event series, A Better Future for All, examining the most pressing issues facing politics in Queensland and more broadly.
Join Kerry and David for this thought-provoking dive into the aspirations of contemporary conservative politics and their leaders, at a time when Australia’s traditional two-party system is under its most serious challenge.
Navigating Artificial Intelligence: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Professor Toby Walsh
Artificial intelligence has the capacity to completely transform the world, changing everything from interplanetary travel to cooking perfect pasta. But what are the costs: If everything changes through AI, how will we deal with the downside?
The latest instalment of Griffith University’s Better Future for All series sees journalist Kerry O’Brien exploring the future and impact of AI with leading global thinker Professor Toby Walsh. His work not only explores the detailed technology of AI, but also raises a host of critical questions about its impact and morality.
The Power of Podcast: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Hedley Thomas
With more than 70 million downloads, Hedley Thomas’s The Teacher’s Pet is the global podcast phenomenon that helped take down a killer.
In the latest instalment of Griffith University’s A Better Future for All series, Kerry O’Brien talks to the award-winning investigative journalist and podcaster about the power of audio storytelling, and how his work helped take the case of Lynette Dawson’s disappearance 40 years ago to a murder trial and a conviction.
They also talk about Hedley’s new podcast Shandee’s Story, an investigation into the murder of a young woman. The podcast triggered the current royal commission-style inquiry into Queensland’s DNA lab with remarkable revelations of murders and rapes going unsolved due to alleged lab negligence.
Kerry O'Brien in conversation with noted playwright David Williamson AO
Griffith University’s A Better Future For All draws back the curtain on David Williamson AO, the most prolific playwright in the history of Australian theatre. His works have captivated audiences for more than half a century and he has made an indelible mark on the creative world both nationally and internationally.
Last year David published his memoir Home Truths, which coincided with his 50th anniversary as a playwright.
Youth in crisis: Building resilience | Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Hugh van Cuylenburg and Professor Patrick McGorry AO
Join Kerry O’Brien in conversation with two outstanding leaders in the field of mental health education and treatment: Hugh van Cuylenburg and Professor Patrick McGorry AO.
Australia is in the grip of an epidemic of anxiety, particularly affecting children and young adults. According to government health figures, 3.3 million Australians suffer from anxiety disorders. An estimated 500,000 children and adolescents have experienced mental illness in the past year.
In pursuit of the truth: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Leigh Sales AM
Kerry O’Brien in conversation with one of Australia’s most well-respected journalists Leigh Sales AM. With 27 years at the helm of the ABC’s 7:30 between them, the pair discussed life at the pinnacle of daily television current affairs.
Leigh talked about the big historic moments she’s covered, the prime ministers who have come and gone, the interviews that have challenged her and the ones she’s loved. They also talked about Leigh’s time anchoring Lateline and reporting from Washington in the years of George W. Bush and the Iraq war, and the changing face of politics and journalism since she joined the ABC nearly three decades ago.
From the Heart: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Rachel Perkins
Acclaimed filmmaker and producer Rachel Perkins is best known for her work promoting and showcasing Indigenous stories and culture through film and television. But, born into a culture of Indigenous activism, her reach and impact extend well beyond the screen.
Heralding the 2023 return of Griffith University’s conversation series, A Better Future for All, Rachel joins journalist Kerry O’Brien for a candid and powerful exploration of her life in art and advocacy.
In Conversation with ballet power couple Li Cunxin AO and Mary Li
Kerry O’Brien speaks with ballet power couple Li Cunxin AO and Mary Li to reveal the intertwined tales of this remarkable pair. Held Friday 25 February, 2022 at Home of the Arts, Gold Coast. Full summary: https://enlighten.griffith.edu.au/cunxin-li/
Chapters
- Introduction from Vice Chancellor and President of Griffith University Professor Carolyn Evans: 00:00 - 04:30
- In Conversation with Kerry O'Brien: 04:30 onwards
The State of Storytelling: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Trent Dalton, Melissa Lucashenko and David Malouf
For this conversation in Griffith University’s A Better Future for All interview series, Kerry O’Brien welcomed a panel of contemporary literary figures to the HOTA stage.
Acclaimed novelists David Malouf, Melissa Lucashenko and Trent Dalton sat with Kerry to discuss their work within the context of Australia’s evolving storytelling culture.
Each writer has captured specifically Australian times and places in their fiction and non-fiction, which made this instalment of Griffith University’s collaboration with HOTA a standout in an already acclaimed series of conversations.
These novelists are also feature in Books That Made Us, a new ABC TV series about great books that have shaped Australia’s identity, airing in late November 2021.
Lights, Camera, Activism: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Rachel Griffiths AM
In partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts, Griffith University’s A Better Future For All series continues with one of Australia’s most prolific arts professionals Rachel Griffiths AM talking with Kerry O’Brien about her celebrated career.
Rachel is an Academy Award Nominated and multi award-winning actress whose impressive career has spanned from the stage to the screen and everything in between. From her performance in films such as beloved classic Muriel’s Wedding, Hilary & Jackie and Saving Mr Banks, to her Golden Globe-winning role in HBO’s hit Six Feet Under, Rachel’s work has an impressive range that has won her fans the world over.
A passionate human rights activist, Rachel has used her public platform to call attention to human rights abuses across the world, including fronting a senate inquiry on modern-day slavery. Rachel has since turned her attention behind the cameras, creating content with a focus on inclusivity and telling extraordinary stories. Her dedication to her craft and incredible breadth of work will make this A Better Future For All conversation a must-see event.
In Adversity's Face: In conversation with Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM
Critically injured in a traffic accident while still a medical student more than a decade ago, Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM has broken more barriers than most people even face in a lifetime. Join host Kerry O’Brien as he and Dinesh delved into the good doctor’s extraordinary life and work, in what was an evening of insightful, emotional, and candid conversation. Held: 14 September 2021. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/dinesh-palipana/
CHAPTERS
- Vice Chancellor's introduction: 00:10 - 03:27
- In conversation with Kerry O'Brien: 3:27 onwards
Travelling into the future: In conversation with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce AC
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce AC joined Kerry O’Brien, undeniably Australia’s premier interviewer, for the inaugural A Better Future for All event at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on Thursday 30 July 2020 to discuss the challenges facing the aviation and tourism industries in the face of COVID-19. https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/event-livestream/ Held 30 July, 2020.
End of an era, the future of work: In conversation with Sally McManus
Renowned workers’ rights advocate and ACTU Secretary Sally McManus joined interviewer extraordinaire Kerry O’Brien to explore an array of important issues in employment, from the rise of the gig economy to the future of unions and the evolving face of work in Australia and around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other social and technological forces. https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/sally-mcmanus-livestream/ Held 25 August, 2020.
Living with the land, learning from the past: In conversation with Bruce Pascoe
In this conversation, renowned journalist Kerry O’Brien and celebrated Indigenous author Bruce Pascoe explored the way Bruce’s critically acclaimed book Dark Emu: Aboriginal Australia and the birth of Agriculture challenges conventional thinking about the First Australians as hunter gatherers. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/bruce-pascoe-livestream/ Held 8 October 2020.
In conversation with Jeff Bleich
Kerry O’Brien and former United States Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich discussed the 2020 US election. The November 2020 presidential contest between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was not only important for the United States, but for the world. The future of this region will be shaped by the outcome. Less than a week before the 2020 election, Jeff Bleich provided an invaluable guide to what is at stake. It is a conversation not to miss. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/jeff-bleich-livestream/ Held 29 October, 2020.
After the pandemic: Imagining the future
Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Professor Nigel McMillan, Dr Rebecca Huntley and Mik Auckland. In the final instalment for 2020, host Kerry O’Brien lead a panel discussion on the human side of the pandemic and how this collective experience might change society. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/imagining-the-future-live-event/ Held 24 November, 2020.
In conversation with The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has a unique opportunity to lead Queensland through the state’s first four-year fixed term with an increased majority after the recent election. At this critical time the big decisions her government makes will shape Queensland’s future for many years to come. This conversation with veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien discussed the big policy challenges facing Queensland as the pandemic hopefully recedes–economic, social, environmental–and how Premier Palaszczuk intends to confront them. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/annastacia-palaszczuk/ This event was held 11 February 2021.
In conversation with Grace Tame
Grace Tame is a remarkable young leader and the 2021 Australian of the Year. Her courage and example are empowering survivors of sexual assault to reclaim their agency by telling their stories. In this conversation with Kerry O'Brien, Grace explores why we need to hear the stories of survivors. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/grace-tame/
In conversation with Professor John Rasko AO
Professor John Rasko is a globally pre-eminent physician-scientist whose work on regenerative medicine and biotechnology is fundamentally changing our understanding of diseases and their cures. In this interview with Kerry O’Brien, John spoke about science, stem-cell research and the future of medicine. Full summary https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/john-rasko/
The power of culture: In conversation with Rhoda Roberts AO and Wesley Enoch AM
In this episode Kerry O’Brien interviews Rhoda Roberts AO and Wesley Enoch AM about the power of cultural expression in shaping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understanding and knowledge, and the role of arts outlets in amplifying Indigenous voices. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/rhoda-wesley/
CHAPTERS
- Vice Chancellor’s introduction: 00:10 - 03:42
- In conversation with Kerry O’Brien: 3:42 onwards
A New World Order: In conversation with Stan Grant
Stan Grant, a Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man, has built an illustrious career as an author, distinguished Australian and international broadcaster, and a powerful voice advocating for First Nations rights. Stan joins another titan of journalism Kerry O’Brien, to explore the opportunities and challenges facing our rapidly and unpredictable changing world order, and what the future might hold for all Australians. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/stan-grant/
CHAPTERS
- Welcome to country Uncle John Graham: 0:09-2:21
- Vice Chancellor’s introduction: 2:24-5:56
- In Conversation with Stan Grant and Kerry O’Brien: 5:57 onwards
A Safer Place: In conversation with Jess Hill
Award winning journalist and author of acclaimed book, See What you Made me Do, Jess Hill joins veteran journalist Kerry O'Brien to discuss what needs to be done to stop Australia's epidemic of domestic violence and coercive control. A compelling and passionate advocate, Jess’s years reporting exclusively on domestic violence in Australia make her an ideal person to discuss this highly sensitive — but utterly vital — topic. Full summary: betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/jess-hill