HDR students from Swinburne's School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education present their original and ground-breaking research for discussion.
Join us for one or both of two online seminars exploring transformative justice and peace on the African continent. Session 1: Transformative Justice and the African Union: Unsettling the Dominant Discourse and Practice of Transitional Justice 4 September, 1-2 pm Online only Speaker: Dr Wendy Lambourne, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, Discipline of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sydney Transitional justice as a field of practice has become standardised around four ‘essential and complementary’ key pillars derived from the Joinet principles against impunity: criminal justice, truth-seeking, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence/institutional reform. These four key pillars were defined by the United Nations in 2010 as central to supporting transitional justice in countries seeking to build peace at the same time as addressing the legacies of mass human rights violations. I have argued that the imposition of these four pillars as the only model of transitional justice not only undermines the principles of local ownership and contextualisation, it is also incompatible with a process of transformative justice and the ultimate goals of peace and reconciliation. The African Union has subsequently developed a Transitional Justice Policy and Framework for the region that takes a broader, more flexible and localised perspective which is […]
Join us for one or both of two online seminars exploring transformative justice and peace on the African continent. Session 1: Transformative Justice and the African Union: Unsettling the Dominant Discourse and Practice of Transitional Justice 4 September, 1-2 pm Online only Speaker: Dr Wendy Lambourne, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, Discipline of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sydney Transitional justice as a field of practice has become standardised around four ‘essential and complementary’ key pillars derived from the Joinet principles against impunity: criminal justice, truth-seeking, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence/institutional reform. These four key pillars were defined by the United Nations in 2010 as central to supporting transitional justice in countries seeking to build peace at the same time as addressing the legacies of mass human rights violations. I have argued that the imposition of these four pillars as the only model of transitional justice not only undermines the principles of local ownership and contextualisation, it is also incompatible with a process of transformative justice and the ultimate goals of peace and reconciliation. The African Union has subsequently developed a Transitional Justice Policy and Framework for the region that takes a broader, more flexible and localised perspective which is […]
As the 21st century proceeds apace, Australia faces new and old challenges, both domestically and internationally. Managing complex governance issues, preventing democratic fracture, balancing an ever-shifting geo-political strategic order, addressing the recognition and identity demands of marginalised groups, and responding to crises such as pandemics and climate change are among the most urgent of them. These challenges are, of course, not exclusive to Australia, being symptomatic instead of a rapidly changing global order. However, their manifestation, and any responses developed to address them, are inevitably shaped by the country’s distinctive history, culture, geography, location, and size. The papers presented in this panel will showcase research that seeks to address some of these challenges. The panel features a selection of researchers who have contributed to a forthcoming book under contract with Routledge that is co-edited by Dr Matteo Bonotti and Dr Narelle Miragliotta from Monash University.
Presented by Conversation at the Crossroads in association with the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Sydney. The Palestinian catastrophe, known as the Nakba, refers to the devastation of the Palestinian homeland in 1948, and with it the displacement of the majority of Palestinian Arabs. The Catastrophe did not end in 1948. 75 years later Palestinian lands remain under occupation. As the dramatic use of military force in recent weeks shows, violence, discrimination and displacement remain the lot of the Palestinians. What is a principled response? Which way for a just peace? What constructive initiatives can Australia and other governments take? What of the UN? Is civil society everywhere ready to assume its responsibilities? The peace of the region and the world beyond hangs in the balance. Keynote Address: The Hon Bob Carr, former Foreign Minister for Australia and NSW’s longest continuously serving premier, is Industry Professor (Business and Climate Change) at University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He previously headed the Australia-China Relations Institute at UTS as Director and Professor of International Relations. Professor Carr is Honorary Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; recipient of the RSIS Distinguished Visiting Fellowship from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and the Fulbright Distinguished […]
The 16th Annual E.L. ‘Ted’ Wheelwright Memorial Lecture The annual E.L. ‘Ted’ Wheelwright Memorial Lecture is held to commemorate the pioneering role that Ted Wheelwright played in developing studies in Political Economy in Australia. Not Going Away: First People and the Australian Economy Speaker: Professor Heidi Norman Over the last 50 years there has commenced a land titling revolution. Indigenous peoples have recognised land interests over more than half the continent, nearly four million square kilometres, with more under claim. Estimates suggests that Indigenous peoples hold exclusive possession native title and fee simple to around 26% of Australia’s landmass. When non-exclusive native title is included, that number rises to 54% of the country covering National parks, conservation areas, and vast expanses of the continent. The Aboriginal land estate is critical in the response to climate change and the energy transition currently underway will transform land-use patterns across many parts of regional Australia. While the risk of exclusion for Indigenous peoples is significant, opportunities that will come with meaningful participation are enormous. My research shows that Indigenous land holders want to address climate change in ways that support their ambitions to generate prosperity and rebuild nations and economies that align with Indigenous values. […]
The movement for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders has grown larger since the National First Nations Constitutional Convention at Uluru in 2017, where Indigenous delegates drafted and signed the ‘Uluru Statement From the Heart’. The Statement called for Voice, Treaty and Truth, which was endorsed by the Referendum Council. Australians will vote at a referendum this year to decide whether to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a Voice to Parliament. In Australia’s history, 44 changes to the Constitution have been proposed, with 8 changes being agreed to by the public. In 1967, the question to change the Constitution to count Indigenous people in the national population and to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for them had bipartisan support and was met with a 90.77% yes vote. But today, parties are split on the issue of voice and are running opposing campaigns. If the referendum is successful, a new constitutionally enshrined body will be established to represent Indigenous Australians’ views on policy and legislation at the federal level. This webinar, hosted by the Australian Political Studies Association, will feature three prominent scholars to help us understand the implications this referendum has for democracy, governance, and Indigenous-settler relations […]
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 […]
Please join us on Thursday 7 September, as part of Social Sciences Week, for a co-hosted MESF and AIIA panel discussion on Australia’s Relations with the Middle East. Social Sciences Week is an annual event that celebrates and showcases the diverse range of social sciences disciplines and research in Australia. The social sciences are key to understanding humanity, society and the institutions which govern our daily lives. Middle East Studies Forum (MESF) at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI) and the Australian Institute of International Affairs -Vic (AIIA) are delighted to host this discussion panel. ABSTRACT Australia has viewed the Middle East as a region of great cultural, economic, and geopolitical importance. With the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in 2021, Australia concluded two decades of military operations in the Middle East. Yet the region remains important for global peace and security. Concerted efforts by China and Russia to enhance their presence and influence in the Middle East only points to the continued geo-political importance of the region in years to come. Furthermore, increased migration from the region has enriched the social and cultural tapestry of Australian society. Arabic is the third most spoken language in Australia. Trade with the region, particularly with the Gulf […]
The WA Migration Update one day conference, now in its 8th year, brings together academia, communities, not-for-profits, the private sector and government, to share experiences and research on migration and settlement, and improve understandings of these critical contemporary issues. This is an important year for migration and multiculturalism. Our theme, 'Beyond Racism', recognises migrant experiences of racism, as well as programs building inclusion and resilience. This year the focus is on the recent government reviews of Australia's multiculturalism framework, and migration policies, as well as hearing the latest Scanlon social cohesion survey results. The program explores the following questions: To what extent are Australia's migration and settlement systems inclusive? What does it mean to move 'beyond racism'? What are migrants' and ethnic minorities' experiences of inclusion and exclusion? How are services and communities challenging racism and promoting inclusion? Sessions include Racism and social cohesion in Australia: trends, challenges and opportunities; the Australian Migration Review; and Australia’s Multiculturalism Framework. As usual we will have a combination of dynamic and informed speakers and panellists from government, community, service provision, business and academia, showcasing their knowledge, policies and experiences.