Spotlight on Australia's Education System
The Hon. Julie Bishop Julia bishop: In Conversation with Sara Tomevska
We couldn’t have asked for a better audience or a more engaging conversation between the Hon. Julie Bishop MP and SBS federal reporter Sara Tomevska at ANU as they discussed the current state of education in Australia, this was Crescent Institute’s inaugural Canberra event.
The former Federal Minister for Education and Science was inspiring and insightful as she spoke about her upbringing in the Adelaide Hills, her current role as Chancellor at ANU and the challenges facing our education system, sharing that, “Leaders of the future need a better understanding of Australia’s place in the world.”
She also reflected on the need for transformation across state schools and tertiary institutions if we are to achieve the kind of equity in education that she believes is not only possible, but vital to our country’s future. This includes rethinking the current ‘one size fits all’ approach to learning in state schools, increasing diversity across the tertiary sector, and acknowledging greater need for scholarships and various forms of support for First Nations students and staff.
Head and Heart Leadership
Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia: In conversation with Miriam Silva AM
The evening with South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas MP at Crescent Institute’s Adelaide revealed his head and heart leadership style and how South Australia will beat every other state to the punch to form its own Voice to Parliament before the Federal Government’s referendum later this year.
The premier discussed how finding the balance between head and heart leadership is the ultimate goal for many leaders and whether you are the premier of a State, supervising a small team or guiding your family, the ability to integrate your head and heart will influence the success in leading others and navigating our increasingly complex post pandemic world.
It was a wonderful evening with many engaging questions from the audience where the Premier eagerly responded to inquiries about the practical steps and challenges of implementing South Australian initiatives. His candid and insightful responses further highlighted the importance of open dialogue and public engagement in shaping policy decisions.
Global Pandemic impact on young Australians
The Hon. Dr. Anne Aly MP & Senator Fatima Payman: In conversation with Rachel Pupazzon
It was an appreciative and engaged audience that joined Dr Anne Aly, Senator Fatima Payman, and Rachel Pupazzoni in Perth recently, for a discussion on the global pandemic and the impact it has had on Australia’s young people.
As the Federal Minister for Youth and Early Childhood Education, Dr Aly spoke about the way the COVID-19 pandemic has tested both the resilience and mental health of young people, as well as the unique challenges the lay ahead as we ensure those in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations are not left behind in the rush towards our ‘new normal’.
Senator Payman spoke about the impact the current challenges are placing on Australians trying to make ends meet and shared her thoughts on the way those challenges specifically impact women and young people.
Maintaining a Purpose-driven Organisation
Daniel Besen: In Conversation with Farah Farouque
Investor and philanthropist, Daniel Besen, took to the stage at our recent Melbourne event, where he was joined in conversation by Farah Farouque, senior journalist at The Age and community sector leader.
The discussion was extremely well received by those in attendance as Daniel shared his thoughts on the role creativity, connection, and community play in a developing and maintaining a purpose-driven organisation, as well as some ideas on how to encourage and promote those traits in others.
He also shared the inspiring story of how Collingwood Yards, a public contemporary arts incubator and adaptive reuse project in Melbourne, was born and realised.
Predictions for the Australian Economy
Mark Bouris: In Conversation with Catherine Fox
Crescent Institute kicked off its In Conversation series with a successful event in Sydney recently featuring Yellow Brick Road and Wizard Home loans founder, Mark Bouris AM in conversation with journalist and author Catherine Fox AM.
Mark shared some wonderful insights and stories into his early days of growing up in Punchbowl; how his passion for rugby league resulted in a chance meeting with Kerry Packer; and the lucky stroke that saw him seated next to Richard Branson on an airplane.
He also offered his crystal-ball predictions for the Australian economy for the next five years, including his thoughts on interest rates and inflation.
Multiculturalism, Refugee & Human Rights
Craig Foster – In Conversation with Hugh Riminton
Craig Foster AM is a prominent advocate for refugee rights and social justice and was recently joined in conversation by award-winning journalist, fellow humanitarian, and Crescent Institute board member, Hugh Riminton at our Sydney event.
Our audience was treated to a wide-ranging discussion between the two on how Australia can better promote multiculturalism, refugee rights and human rights, as well as the ever-increasing importance of diversity in media.
Leadership, governance, and the pressing issues facing New South Wales
The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian: In conversation with Antoinette Lattouf
Hosted by Crescent Institute Chair, Prof. Peter Shergold AC, Managing Partner of Gilbert + Tobin, Danny Gilbert, and moderated by senior journalist and co-founder of Media Diversity Australia, Antoinette Lattouf, the event was an enlightening journey into the realm of leadership, governance, and the pressing issues facing New South Wales.
Gladys Berejiklian's distinguished political career and leadership journey were front and centre during the event. As the 45th Premier of New South Wales, she shared her insights on the critical period facing NSW and her experiences in the political landscape. It was an exceptional opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the life and career of a prominent leadserhip figure whose impact extended far beyond the state of New South Wales as she shared some of her wisdom gained dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event undoubtedly provided attendees with a unique perspective on leadership, governance, and the challenges facing NSW, making it a memorable and enlightening experience for all who participated.