Bonfire of Certainties’ Geopolitical realities in 2018

The sprawling uncertainties of the modern world were brought into sharp focus at the closing panel discussion of the 2018 ANU Crawford Leadership Forum. In a panel chaired by ANU Chancellor Professor Hon Gareth Evans AC QC, leading thinkers brought together two days of debate on global realities and domestic choices. Panellist and former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Graeme Samuel AC said Australia needed leadership which exhibited the 4 Cs to rebuild trust: Conviction, Courage, Communication and Consultation, while reflecting on voter disenchantment. He said the 'copious talk but little walk' on structural adjustment was resulting in dislocation, discontent and disillusionment. Mr Samuel said while the policy focus is on reskilling and retraining people, there is no detailed discussion as to how we do that, particularly for those in our society who are more vulnerable. Professor Helen Sullivan, Director of the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy said there was a 'huge gap' between the deep, engaged debate at the Forum and "what passes for political discourse in this country". "It is possible to engage people on politics in meaningful way, but you have to slow down and do things differently," Professor Sullivan said.