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.

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 holdingthe portfolio in opposition for the previous six years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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