Centre for Independent Studies

Waking Up To the China Challenge

China has become a key nation for Australia’s future – for our security, economy and identity. But what are China’s intentions when it comes to Australia? In the Xi Jinping era, Beijing has stepped up its campaign for influence, over hearts and minds, mineral and agricultural resources, media outlets and sea lanes. Yet the Communist regime wants more — as much power and influence over Australia as it can possibly get, using fair means or foul.
However, what Beijing can get is limited not just by China’s abilities, but also by Australia’s will. In each case, where Chinese officials or agents attempted to intrude, they met Australian resistance. And they failed. For all its power, China is neither all-powerful nor irresistible. Australia can shape its engagement with Beijing.
Peter Hartcher is political editor of the Sydney Morning Herald and author of Quarterly Essay’s “Red Flag, Waking up to the China Challenge”
Julie Bishop was foreign minister of Australia from 2013 to 2018 and federal Liberal Member for Curtin from 1998 to 2019. Bishop was also the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party from 2007 to 2018.

Democracy is thin? Claire Fox on Brexit: ”Democracy is thin.”

Brexit Party MEP and Director of the Academy of Ideas Claire Fox discusses how the Remainer elite have delegitimised the Brexit vote. Ever since the British people voted to leave the European Union in 2016, Remainers have actively tried to thwart the will of the people. They constantly spin a narrative, that Brexit voters were stupid and gullible to know what they voted for. If this process has shown one thing, it is how thin democracy is, and how easily same and willing to throw it away when they don't win.
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

Hong Kong will never be the same

In conversation with Sue Windybank, Geoff Raby discusses the internal and external problems plaguing China. Unrest in Hong Kong threatens Beijing's authority. Whereas, economic challenges and a trade war with the US risk future economic growth. Raby has been a vocal critic of Australia's approach to the PRC and believes inflamed rhetoric risks this important bilateral relationship. What does the future of China/Australia relations look like? And, can Australia reset their foreign policy in the Asia region?
Australian economist and diplomat Geoff Raby discusses the potential fallout from the Hong Kong protests. After more than four months, it appears there is no solution to the Hong Kong crisis. The longer the protests continue the more Beijing will see Hong Kong as a threat to their authority. At home, Beijing needs to ensure its economic growth continues. What will the next stage of Chinese development look like?
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

Is Hungary a free country?

Director of the Free Market Foundation Mate Hajba, has been a strong critic of Hungarian Prime Minster Viktor Orban. Hajba says, under Orban, there has been an undeniable erosion in the rule of law in Hungary. But Orban still has political opponents, and it is not impossible to win elections.
When Hungary is discussed in Australia, it usually involves Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Mate Hajba says Orban is one of the most divisive figures in Hungary, since the fall of Communism. Hajba argues that what Orban has built is an illiberal democracy - modelled after China and Russia. Although there has been an erosion of freedoms - and Hajba is very critical of Orban - it is not impossible to win elections. Prosperity doesn't come in you don't work for it - so what does the future of Hungary look like?
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

Daniel Pipes: Antisemitism, Islam and leftists

American historian Daniel Pipes discusses antisemitism. Islamic antisemitism remains the greatest threat. But many western countries are witnessing a rise in left-wing antisemitism. Pipes attributes this to a certain sympathy many western leftists have towards various Islamic causes. Pipes also believes non-Muslims need to help reformers and moderates to modernise Islam.
Islamic terrorism has meant that we in the west now openly talk about Islam. Daniel Pipes, suggests that this discussion should focus on the Muslim reformers and how the west can help them to fight the fundamentalists.
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

What lessons should we have learnt from the GFC?

In this interview with Simon Cowan, economics professor, John Taylor argues that countries should focus on cutting taxes and regulation if they want to boost growth. Taylor also suggests that central banks need to become better strategists and explain their decisions.
It has been an interesting decade in monetary policy. Professor of economics John Taylor discusses the warning signs we ignored, and what can be done to avoid a crash in the future. In an attempt to stimulate economic growth the US has focussed on reducing tax rates and regulation. Taylor suggests other countries should follow suit. Taylor also warns of the potential dangers of economists becoming too partisan and insists we need to continue to have good economic discussions.
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

Book Launch: Ten Remarkable Australians

In his book, Ten Remarkable Australians, Ian Macfarlane pens biographical essays about ten Australians, who were once prominent and well known for their achievements on the world stage, but whose images have faded from the national memory. Written in the tradition of the eminent historian Geoffrey Blainey, Macfarlane salutes the Australia of this period and its talented expatriates.
Ian Macfarlane and Tom Switzer – host a discussion on this fascinating new book. Macfarlane hopes to rekindle interest in our history among the broader community and aims to give the modern reader an opportunity to discover these individuals.
Tom Switzer is executive director of the Centre for Independent Studies and a former editor of the Spectator Australia.
Ian Macfarlane was governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia from 1996 to 2006. His book is Ten Remarkable Australians: They made their mark on the world but were forgotten (Connor Court).
“This is a journey into Australia’s forgotten past, a series of compelling portraits of astonishing figures whose lives deserve to be recalled and celebrated.” – Paul Kelly
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

Parental School Choice In Australia

Parental school choice in Australia. Led by Fiona Mueller, the CIS education program focuses on School Choice and School Funding among its key areas of research.
School choice continues to be a policy area that attracts considerable public attention, particularly concerning funding strategies. Choosing a school is important to parents, but new CIS research shows that many experience buyer’s remorse.
To coincide with the release of our upcoming report on school choice, we held a discussion moderated by Fiona Mueller CIS education program director. The panel featured Glenn Fahey CIS research fellow, Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, Michael Nuttall, Executive Officer of Australian Primary Principals Association and Dianne Giblin, CEO of Australian Council of State School Organisations.
Dallas McInerney was appointed CEO of Catholic Schools NSW in August 2017. CSNSW is the representative body of almost 600 Catholic schools. It is also the system authority for the approximately 550 NSW Catholic diocesan schools, with responsibility for their funding, distribution, compliance and governance. Previously, Dallas spent two decades in financial regulation and public policy across the government and private sectors.
Michael Nuttall was appointed Executive Officer of the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) in late 2010. With over 30 years in primary school education, he has taught in government, Catholic and Independent schools and was principal of two primary schools over twelve years. Michael oversees the operations of APPA’s Canberra-based national office and provides executive-level support to its elected President, 28-member National Advisory Council and 8-member Board.
Dianne Giblin is CEO of the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO), Di leads the secretariat of a national organisation whose motto is ‘One voice for every child in public education’. Over the past 35 years, her passion for education has seen her in roles such as founding Director of the Public Education Foundation, the Primary Ethics Board, the Parenthood Board. Di has also worked for the NSW Department of Education.
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

Boris Johnson and British Conservatism

Hear from Simon Heffer, a leading conservative commentator who has known Boris Johnson for three decades, as we discuss the UK’s newest and most enigmatic leader.
The British Conservative grassroots have voted Boris Johnson for leader in large numbers because they believe he has the charisma, showmanship and, incidentally, views on Brexit to ensure Britain leaves the European Union successfully on October 31. As a result, the Tory rank-and-file members believe their re-born party will win the next general election handsomely.
However, Simon Heffer has serious doubts. Boris is not a lovable rogue, nor is he likely to unite the Conservative party. No one, according to Professor Heffer, should bet on the new Prime Minister shaping the destiny of Britain and her people for much more than a brief, and possibly deeply troubling, interlude.
Simon Heffer is a columnist for The Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, London, and professor of modern British history at the University of Buckingham. He is author of, among other influential books, High Minds: The Victorians and the Birth of Modern Britain and The Age of Decadence: Britain 1880 to 1914.
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au

Lionel Shriver: Identity Politics, Political Correctness and #MeToo

The arts are battered and boxed in by the proliferating dos and don’ts of political correctness, the predations of gotcha identity politics and the hypersensitivities of the #MeToo movement.
The John Bonython Lecture is the annual Gala event for the Centre for Independent Studies. Designed to advance the principles of free choice, individual liberty, defend cultural freedom and the open exchange of ideas – this year’s lecture was no different.
Award winning American author and opinion writer Lionel Shriver delivered this year’s lecture. She eviscerated the modern-day obsession with identity politics, political correctness and the hypersensitivities of the #MeToo movement that are threatening creativity.
Shriver’s breakout novel We Need to Talk About Kevin has sold over 1 million copies and was made into a feature film starring Tilda Swinton.
Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates.
http://www.cis.org.au