GOVERNING IN THE AGE OF STUPID
Has Australian politics become theatre without consequences? Politicians no longer seem to ‘govern’ in any meaningful sense – they perform. Question Time is ritualised noise: scripted outrage, zero accountability, no real scrutiny. Policy reform has slowed into managed inertia, while national ambition quietly drains away.
Where did all the big ideas go?
For decades, liberal democracy promised prosperity, stability and progress. But as governments become increasingly focused on managing crises rather than shaping the future, politics feels less like a contest of ideas and more like an exercise in risk management. Australia is drifting rather than deciding.
That drift creates opportunities for those offering certainty, purpose and simple answers. If mainstream politics can no longer articulate a compelling vision of the future, is it any surprise that populism is filling the void? How did a nation once defined by bold reforms become so cautious, and what would it take to recover the ambition to govern?
Waleed Aly
Waleed Aly is a broadcaster, author, academic and musician. He lectures in politics at Monash University, where he completed his PhD in 2018 researching global terrorism, and is a Patron of the Street Library. For over a decade, Waleed co-hosted Network 10’s The Project. He now co-presents The Minefield on ABC Radio National with ethicist Scott Stephens. Waleed’s work has earned wide recognition, including the 2014 Walkley Award for Commentary, Analysis, Opinion and Critique. In 2016 he won the Gold Logie for Most Popular Australian TV Personality, the Silver Logie for Best Presenter, and delivered the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.
Amy Remeikis
Amy Remeikis is a journalist, author, political commentator and Australia’s best known political live blogger. She is the chief political analyst for the Australia Institute and contributing editor for The New Daily.
Greg Sheridan
Greg Sheridan is The Australian‘s foreign editor and one of Australia’s most influential national security and foreign affairs analysts. He also writes about Christianity and culture. His most recent book, How Christians Can Succeed Today, completes a trilogy on Christianity, including the best-selling God is Good for You. A sought-after TV, radio and conference speaker, he has interviewed presidents and prime ministers across every continent. A previous book, When We Were Young and Foolish, was a memoir of culture, politics and journalism. As foreign editor he travels widely, bringing readers unique behind-the-scenes insights.
Hannah Ferguson
Hannah Ferguson is the founder and CEO of Cheek Media, and the co-host of news and pop culture podcast, Big Small Talk. She is also a Forbes 30 under 30 Honouree and the bestselling author of two books. Hannah intends to run as an independent candidate at the next federal election.
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation - the custodians of the country on which we meet - and acknowledge their Elders, past and present.
The views and opinions expressed by the Festival participants are not necessarily the views of The Ethics Centre and our partners.