Democracy – it’s always been incomplete, compromised and fragile, but today our democratic systems and institutions are under threat like never before.

With ecological breakdown underway, inequality spiralling, colonialism and patriarchy still not dismantled, and the hate-fuelled far right on the rise, we desperately need democracies which are able to both reverse these trends and create hope-filled resilience in the face of difficult times to come.

Meanwhile, around the world, people and communities are experimenting with exciting and innovative democratic practices, recasting the relationship between citizens and government, drawing on ancient wisdom, involving deep engagement and participation.

The Green Institute’s 2019 conference will challenge us to think deeply about democracy, and inspire us to act fast, and with great determination, to cultivate democracy at every level.

Check out the full program.

On Friday, November 15, we will have four plenary sessions with the following brilliant speakers:

• Indigenous democracy, featuring:
  • Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng
  • Celeste Liddle
  • Dr Paul Collis
  • Krystal Hurst
• Deepening Democracy, featuring:
  • Associate Professor Simon Niemeyer on deliberative democracy
  • Dr Amanda Cahill on Asset Based Community Development
  • Dr Tim Dunlop on sortition and other radical models
  • Nicola Paris on direct action and protest
  • Chaired by Senator Larissa Waters
• Democratising the economy, featuring:
  • Professor John Quiggin on capitalism vs democracy
  • Clare Ozich on workplace democracy
  • Dr Elise Klein on the democratising potential of UBI
  • Chaired by Adam Bandt MHR
• Ecology and Democracy, featuring:
  • Dr Virginia Marshall on Indigenous governance of, with, in and for natural systems
  • Dr Nicky Ison on energy democracy
  • Dr Natalie Osborne on the urban commons

On Saturday and Sunday, November 16-17, in parallel with the Australian Greens National Conference, we will run a series of facilitated deliberative discussions, digging into how we can use these ideas in our policy, politics and activism. NB: please book separately for National Conference so you can attend sessions for both conferences.

Venue
Friday 15 November, 9am-5.30pm at Ainslie Arts Centre, Canberra
Friday evening, 6pm onwards (venue TBC)
Saturday 16 November and Sunday 17 November at Ainslie Arts Centre in parallel with the Australian Greens National Conference and we ask you to register for that conference, as well (both conferences are very reasonably priced, and both have options for bursaries).

Register now, as places are strictly limited.

Bursaries and billets will be available, but please purchase a ticket at the highest level you can afford to help the Green Institute cover costs so we can continue to expand our work.

NB: If you intend to also attend the Greens National Conference, you will have to register for that separately here.