Global Speakers Month - The Centre for Independent Studies

This October, we will be hosting Global Speakers Month, featuring a series of events with policy experts visiting Australia for our annual conference. The discussions will cover key topics such as energy, politics, criminal justice, and education reform, with speakers including Dr. Chris Keefer, John B. Judis, Charlie Taylor, Nick Gibb, and others.

A multi-event pass is available for $99, giving access to all six events. Whether you choose to attend all or just a few, this pass offers flexibility.

This October, Global Speakers Month will feature a series of events with policy experts visiting Australia for our annual conference, addressing key topics such as energy strategy, prison reform, education reform, and the 2024 US Presidential Election. The discussions will explore lessons from Canada’s nuclear progress, challenges in the criminal justice system, improvements to school systems, and an in-depth analysis of the political landscape and key candidates in the US election.

Canada’s Nuclear Progress: Lessons learned for Australia’s Energy Strategy (MEL: October 17 & SYD: October 18) Dr. Chris Keefer, host of the Decouple podcast and founder of Canadians for Nuclear Energy, will explore Canada’s nuclear journey, from phasing out coal in Ontario to developing its reactor design. Aidan Morrison, Director of Energy at CIS, will join him to discuss lessons for Australia and the role of nuclear energy.

How to Fix a School System? (SYD: October 22) Nick Gibb, former Schools Minister for England, will discuss England’s education reforms, focusing on curriculum, early assessments, and teacher training. Insights from these reforms will provide guidance for Australia’s school system. The discussion will be moderated by Glenn Fahey, Director of Education at CIS.

Trump vs. Harris: An Overview of the US Presidential Election (BNE: October 28 & SYD: November 4) John B. Judis, a prominent American political commentator, will provide an overview of the 2024 US election. He will be joined by Sarah Percy, Associate Professor of Political Science, and James Allan, Professor of Law, both from the University of Queensland. Moderated by Tom Switzer, Executive Director of CIS, the discussion will examine the political divide in the US, the strengths and weaknesses of key candidates, and the impact on American governance and foreign policy.

What is Prison Good For: Rethinking Our Prison System? (SYD: October 21) Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, will examine the role of prisons in an effective criminal justice system. Addressing rising incarceration rates in Australia alongside Peter Kurti, Director of the Culture, Prosperity & Civil Society program at CIS, they will discuss whether the country is experiencing a “second convict age” and how prison reform can improve outcomes.