Events

Lobbying and Agenda Setting: Whose Interests are Served, How and Why?

Room 650, Social Sciences Building, University of Sydney Science Road, Camperdown

Lobbying and advising the government are part of the democratic process. Sometimes the interests being served are clear, yet at others they are hidden. Sometimes stories are told to make the outcomes desired easier to understand, and more likely, while at others the narrative serves to shroud the real outcomes desired and undermine democratic processes. In this presentation, the cases of consultants advising governments and the OECD on tax avoidance and LGBTQ+ lobbying are used to tease out some of these tensions. In the case of the former, the role of the Big Four (PwC, EY, KPMG and Deloitte) is used to illustrate how interests potentially undermine desirable outcomes. In the case of the latter, lobbyists and lobbying were essential in driving desirable change. Moderator: Professor Gaby Ramia Speakers: Associate Professor John Mikler: John is an Associate Professor in the Discipline of Government and International Relations. He researches corporations' relations with states, civil society and international organisations, as well as how they are political actors in their own right. His recent books include The Political Power of Global Corporations (Polity 2018); MNCs in Global Politics: Pathways of Influence (co-edited with Karsten Ronit, Edward Elgar 2020); and Capitalism for All: Realising its Liberal […]

Free

UOW Luminaries: Unlocking the power of digital literacy to empower children

Virtual

Digital literacy for children is complex; even for our youngest children. The ability to use a range of digital technologies, to critically engage with those technologies, and the texts they offer is important. But so too is developing children’s capacities to react and respond to the digital culture within which they operate. Consider the scenarios; While playing an online game, a child is invited to network with an unfamiliar person. While researching for a school project, a child comes across inaccurate information. A photo is shared via social media; the child has not consented for it to be shared and becomes annoyed when they see it. Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives the panel will consider the scenarios as they work to embrace the fluidity of the digital age as children use technology in ways that are developmentally and contextually appropriate, literacy rich, and safe. When: Thursday, 7 September, 4-5 pm AEST Where: Online via Zoom - Zoom link to join the webinar will be emailed after registration Panellists: Professor Lisa Kervin is Professor of Education in the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Wollongong (UOW), where she is also Director of Early Start Research. Associate Professor Jessica Mantei is Deputy Head […]

Free

The Next Generation of News

John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW Sydney Leighton Hall - John Niland Scientia Building, University of New South Wales, Gate 11, Library Walk, Kensington Campus, Kensington

Sam Koslowski | Zara Seidler The way we consume news is changing and traditional media is struggling to keep up with our forever online lifestyles. The Daily Aus is changing that – and fast. With unstoppable co-founders Sam Koslowski and Zara Seidler at the helm, The Daily Aus has cracked the code on resonating with young people, distilling the big news stories of the day into accessible, bite sized pieces. From fearless journalists to savvy entrepreneurs, witness the rise of a new generation that's leaving a lasting imprint. Join Zara and Sam as they unpack the big business of youth-focused news, and reveal how digital platforms are transforming the news landscape. Sam Koslowski and Zara Seidler’s new book No Silly Questions: The Daily Aus explains how the world works (and why you should care) is out on Sept 5. You can pre-order the book here.

Free