The Ideas and Society programme is a series of debates and public lectures convened by Professor Robert Manne. The aim of the programme is to bring students, staff and the general public together to consider some of the critical questions of the times and to enliven intellectual life at La Trobe University. Its aim is also to bring some of Australia’s leading thinkers and public figures to the university campus to deepen the understanding of these critical issues.
Ideas and Society events are broadcast live on the day.
25 Sep 2012Universities Challenged The panel: Glyn Davis, Raimond Gaita, Robert Manne, Margaret Gardener
23 Aug 2012The future of the left in Australia: Labor and the Greens - enemies or friends? The panel: Adam Bandt, Andrew Leigh, and Robert Manne
19 Jul 2012Thinking Football - Mick Malthouse The panel: Mick Malthouse, Martin Flanagan, and John Dewar
28 Jun 2012Refugees and our common humanity The panel: Raimond Gaita, Yusuf Sheikh Omar, and Savitri Taylor
11 May 2012Education in Australia: The struggle for greater equality With guest speakers Carmen Lawrence, Richard Teese, and Dennis Altman
18 Apr 2012Why is the Labor Party in Crisis? With guest speakers Barry Jones, Antony Green, and Marilyn Lake
04 Apr 2012Mental Health in Australia - How is it rating? Australia’s mental health services now and what is needed to do more?
29 Feb 2012Is there a future for quality newspapers? Guest speakers Paul Ramage (The Age) and Eric Beecher (Crikey) discuss
21 Jun 2011Ideas & Society: Does Wikileaks matter?
VIDEO: 'Does Wikileaks matter?' watch the Wheeler Centre event
VIDEO: 'Does Wikileaks matter?' watch the Wheeler Centre event
12 Apr 2011Critical forum on disability
Disability Insurance – the next frontier of Australia’s welfare state
Disability Insurance – the next frontier of Australia’s welfare state
16 Mar 2011What is Labor's future?
Tuesday 29 March web conversation between Mark Latham and Robert Manne
Tuesday 29 March web conversation between Mark Latham and Robert Manne
03 Mar 2011Michael Kirby receives an honorary doctorate
In recognition for the outstanding contribution to law and to La Trobe
In recognition for the outstanding contribution to law and to La Trobe
22 Nov 2010Does Social Democracy have a future?
Free public seminar by The Ideas and Society Program December 7
Free public seminar by The Ideas and Society Program December 7
15 Oct 2010Asylum seekers & Australian Democracy
On Friday October 15, the Ideas & Society Program of La Trobe University is holding an important meeting: Asylum seekers and Australian Democracy- what do we fear?
On Friday October 15, the Ideas & Society Program of La Trobe University is holding an important meeting: Asylum seekers and Australian Democracy- what do we fear?
12 Aug 2010Bob Brown: Leader of the Greens
Senator Bob Brown, Parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens.
Senator Bob Brown, Parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens.
05 Aug 2010AFL: The Great Game
Andrew Demetriou, CEO, AFL in conversation with Tim Lane, Commentator
Andrew Demetriou, CEO, AFL in conversation with Tim Lane, Commentator
31 May 2010The Rudd Government: What Has Gone Wrong
A discussion of the problems of the Rudd Government
A discussion of the problems of the Rudd Government
13 Apr 2010Is there hope after Copenhagen? - part 1
A Conversation about Climate Change with Tim Flannery
A Conversation about Climate Change with Tim Flannery
13 Apr 2010Is there hope after Copenhagen? - part 2
A Conversation about Climate Change with Tim Flannery
A Conversation about Climate Change with Tim Flannery
13 Apr 2010Is there hope after Copenhagen? - part 3
A Conversation about Climate Change with Tim Flannery
A Conversation about Climate Change with Tim Flannery
29 Mar 2010The Global Fight against Hunger
Ideas and Society Program in association with the Institute for Human Security presents "The Global Fight Against Hunger".
Ideas and Society Program in association with the Institute for Human Security presents "The Global Fight Against Hunger".
20 Oct 2009Racism: A Debate
Henry Reynolds, Ghassan Hage, Judith Brett and John Hirst debate racism in contemporary Australia. Chaired by Belinda Probert
Henry Reynolds, Ghassan Hage, Judith Brett and John Hirst debate racism in contemporary Australia. Chaired by Belinda Probert
07 Oct 2009What is wrong with Australian democracy?
Malcolm Fraser, Barry Jones and Robert Manne on Australian Democracy
Malcolm Fraser, Barry Jones and Robert Manne on Australian Democracy
02 Sep 2009The Politics and Science of Climate Change Denialism
Politics and Science of Climate Change
Politics and Science of Climate Change
Focused, Ambitious and Transformative ideas - 
