Anglican Media organises the Archbishop’s public conversations in Deakin Edge, Federation Square. These conversations usually run three times a year, and feature special guests speaking with the Archbishop about prominent social issues.
This year’s public conversations will be held on Wednesday 28 August and Wednesday 2 October. Australian Living Treasure, Michael Leunig, is returning to join Archbishop Philip Freier at his final conversation on 2 October. Lock in the dates, and details to follow later in the year.
Below captures summaries from previous breakfast conversations. Click on a topic to be taken to the video. You can watch conversations from previous years on our YouTube Channel. Click on the link at the bottom of this page.
The Public Purse – June 2023
The Government has far too many demands on its resources to meet the needs of Australians as it might wish. Its budgets are stretched, from $368 billion for nuclear submarines plus long-range missiles for defence to the ballooning costs of national disability, from the problems in public housing to the separate issues in hospitals and the health system. Around half of Australian households receive some sort of government payment. The demands are near infinite, the means are decidedly finite.
Victoria Votes – Oct 2022
Public cynicism about politics has seldom been higher as Victoria heads into a state election next month. Surveys show that both the main party leaders carry polarised views about their leadership into the campaign. What will be the key issues, and what should they be? Pandemic management, the state health system and political integrity are likely to be prominent. Can the personalities of the politicians be separated from the issues, or are they interlocked?
Coping with the climate crisis
75% of young people are frightened about the future, an international study shows. But is the climate crisis inevitable? Is there still time to stop the worst effects? What can young people do? Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier will focus on climate in a public conversation with the Forest Maker, Tony Rinaudo, AYCC activist Olivia Sutherland and Melbourne Grammar student Jack Lowman at 10.30am on August 19. This will be an online event – online link will be sent in confirmation email.
To see videos from earlier conversations please go to the Anglican Media Melbourne YouTube Channel