Centre for Independent Studies

Changing The Debate: Australia Day | Events at CIS

Changing the Debate; Our expert panel comprised of CIS’s Indigenous Program director, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO, Dr Anthony Dillon and Chris Kenny of Sky News joined us at the Centre for Independent Studies for a conversation on how best to change the debate surrounding indigenous issues.
When the nation debates whether we should change the date of Australia Day, we should ask; How is any of this going to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians in practical terms? How is this going to generate economic development and employment opportunities, reduce rates of domestic violence, reduce rates of incarceration, produce better health outcomes or help Indigenous Australians empower themselves away from the victim mentality? Will the “Voice” help or hinder indigenous prosperity?
In recent years, symbolic acts and gestures have distracted and deferred attention from the real issues that Indigenous Australians face. However, since the 1970s, governments and NGOs have been motivated by good intentions to overcome Indigenous disadvantage. Yet the billions of tax dollars spent have not appeared to close any measurable gap.
Check out Jacinta's recent article from January 22, 2020 in The Australian: https://www.cis.org.au/commentary/articles/culture-to-blame-for-much-of-indigenous-family-violence/
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For all of the CIS research on Indigenous Affairs click here: https://www.cis.org.au/research/indigenous-affairs/

The 2019 CIS Nanny Awards | Events at CIS

The 2019 CIS Nanny Awards take a look back at the year's best and most absurd attempts of the state to try to meddle and infringe on our daily lives. Presented by CIS Executive Director, Tom Switzer and Emeritus Professor Steven Schwartz.
1st; The Australian Federal Government's bash ban.
2nd; New South Wales Police ban dancing at Sydney’s Fringe Festival.
Equal 3rd; Nanny state risking our right to cheese and the City of Bunbury bans mermaids from public swimming pools.
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Is there more to life than politics? | John Howard & Richard Alston | Conversations at CIS

On Thursday, 5 December we launched Richard Alston’s new book, More to Life than Politics (Connor Court). Alston, a renowned former cabinet minister of the Howard Government and high commissioner in London was joined by former Prime Minister John Howard, they sat down to conversation led by Tom Switzer.
In his book, the former diplomat, barrister, cabinet minister and veteran Liberal senator details among other things his role in the major national debates about privatisation, innovation, information technology, the Arts and the ABC.
“A brilliant politician in exactly the right place when the Internet arrived.” Ziggy Switkowski, CEO, Telstra (1999-05)
“His obvious intellect and his love of the Arts laid the foundations for today’s successes.” David Gonski, Chancellor, UNSW (2005 – Present)
“An outstanding communications minister, who really understood the industry.” John Howard, Prime Minister (1996-07)
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Waking Up To the China Challenge | Conversations at CIS

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 | Conversations at CIS

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.
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Hong Kong will never be the same | Sue Windybank & Geoff Raby | Conversations at CIS

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?
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Is Hungary a free country? | Conversations at CIS

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?
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Daniel Pipes: Antisemitism, Islam and leftists | Conversations at CIS

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.
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What lessons should we have learnt from the GFC? | Conversations at CIS

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.
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Book Launch: Ten Remarkable Australians | Events at CIS

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
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