As the old truism would have it, ‘Whoever you vote for the Government always gets in’. By the end of last year, the Australian electorate’s sense of fatigue and disillusionment was palpable. Differences between Labor and Liberal felt incremental, and the big stories seemed to centre on alternatives, from the Greens to the Independents. Have the old forces in Australian politics lost their way?
Arguing in favour of the proposition will be, in order of appearance, Carmen Lawrence, Greg Barns and John Hewson. Arguing against the proposition will be Helen Kroger, Shaun Carney and Penny Wong.
Presenters
Carmen Lawrence is Winthrop Professor at the School of Psychology at the University of Western Australia. She is a former Premier of Western Australia and federal government minister.
Greg Barns is a barrister and writer. He is national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and practices in the areas of criminal law and human rights in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. He is a member of the Bar in each of those jurisdictions.
Senator Helen Kroger has been in Federal Parliament since 2008 following an extensive career in small business, corporate fundraising and Human Resource Management.
John Hewson is an economic and financial expert with experience in academia, business, government and the financial system.
Senator Penny Wong has been an ALP senator for South Australia since 2001. She is the Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation. She was previously the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water.
Shaun Carney is a senior columnist on The Age and is the author of two books, including a biography of Peter Costello.
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