Policy Forum Pod

On this episode, we’re joined by top health practitioners and policy experts to tackle the elimination versus suppression debate, plus why a comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing is so important for our future.With another outbreak of COVID-19 in Victoria, and the threat of more cases emerging across state borders weighing heavily on the minds of the Australian population, the country’s suppression strategy has been called into question. But is eliminating the virus a possibility as case numbers globally skyrocket? In the second edition of Dr Arnagretta Hunter’s ‘human futures’ Policy Forum Pod takeover, infectious diseases expert Dr Ashwin Swaminathan draws on his first-hand experience treating COVID-19 cases as Clinical Director of General Medicine at Canberra Hospital to shed light on the situation. Plus returning pod guest Sharon Friel, Professor of Health Equity at The Australian National University (ANU), joins us to talk about why our future health and wellbeing requires a comprehensive approa

On this special ‘human futures’ episode, Dr Arnagretta Hunter takes the reins and is joined by Dr Robyn Alders and Dr Tayanah O’Donnell to discuss a rethink in how we value food, and why mitigation and adaptation to climate change are key to building a better future.Food is at the heart of how we live and where we live. But around the world, agricultural systems are being challenged, food producers are often not reaping the fruits of their labour, and obesity is on the rise in highly developed nations. Joined by Future Earth’s Dr Tayanah O’Donnell and Professor Robyn Alders AO, guest presenter Dr Arnagretta Hunter looks why food is at the heart of our future, why policymakers must provide the frameworks to simultaneously mitigate and adapt to climate change, and asks whether constant growth is really the only way for humans prosper.Dr Tayanah O'Donnell is a lawyer, human geographer, and Executive Director of Future Earth Australia.Robyn Alders AO is an Honorary Professor with the Development Po

On this episode, we speak with The Australian National University’s Meg Keen, Henry Ivarature, and Nicole Haley about the successes and struggles in the Pacific Island region as it manages the coronavirus crisis.Despite so far avoiding widespread COVID-19 infections, the risk of a major outbreak in the Pacific Island region remains real while the virus continues to wreak havoc around the world. In addition to the ongoing health threat, the region is dealing with the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic. With tourism representing a major component of the regional economy prior to the crisis, how are governments and donors in the region supporting people now out of work? What impact has the crisis had on policymakers’ ability to address other challenges in the region, like the deadly rise of non-communicable diseases? And is Australia delivering on its promised ‘step-up’? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, we chat with Professor Meg Keen, Dr Henry Ivarature, and Associate Professor Nicole Haley about

Even before COVID-19 struck, local news was struggling, with newspapers moving online or disappearing completely. So is there a role for policy in protecting and supporting the essential role local news plays in our democracy? We’re joined by Caroline Fisher and Carolyn Hendriks to get the headlines and check the small print.New research has revealed that while rural and regional Australians value local news, about a quarter have no local news at all. Journalists, meanwhile, are being asked to cover expanded geographical areas, and having to apply their skills well beyond writing articles. So what effect is this squeeze on local news having on communities, what are communities doing to tackle it, and is there a role for policy that ensures communities are informed? Joining us to talk about her new research is Associate Professor Caroline Fisher of the University of Canberra, and Associate Professor Carolyn Hendriks of Crawford School of Public Policy.Caroline Fisher is an Associate Professor in journalism at

In part two of our special episode of Ask Policy Forum, the panel tackles your tough questions, from the struggling arts sector, to how health systems around the world are coping with the COVID-19 crisis, to the serious business of lockdown snacks.Led by Professor Mark Kenny, we take you on a fairly raucous ride, discussing health, education, technology, and the arts, in part two of our special edition of Ask Policy Forum. Responding to your questions from the past few months, the team is also joined for the first time by a live online audience of our pod squad. You can get early access to this series, the chance to join our live audience in future editions, and chat with pod hosts and panellists about new episodes by joining our Policy Forum Pod Facebook groupMark Kenny is a Professor in the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the university after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning

On this episode, we bring you part one of our first-ever online live recording of Ask Policy Forum, the podcast where you ask the questions.This week we’re bringing you something a little special on today’s Policy Forum Pod. With an all-star panel of pod regulars, plus one or two new faces, we tackled your questions in the third edition of our Ask Policy Forum series. From hard-hitting policy queries on the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, to the serious business of lockdown snacks, our panel answered the questions that matter to you - and had a good laugh along the way. The team is also joined for the first time by a live online audience of our pod squad. So kick-back, relax, and enjoy the Ask Policy Forum ride. You can get early access to this series, the chance to join our live audience in future editions, and chat with pod hosts and panellists about new episodes by joining our Policy Forum Pod Facebook group.Mark Kenny is a Professor in the A

On this episode, we’re joined by Associate Professor Ben Edwards to discuss why the mental health of younger Australians has been so severely impacted during the COVID-19 crisis.New research from The Australian National University (ANU) has revealed a spike in severe psychological distress in young Australians under 35 since the start of the pandemic. But why is COVID-19 impacting the mental health of younger Australians so seriously? What role does economic insecurity brought on by the crisis play in the emotional wellbeing of this group? How do these impacts compare with other nations? And what can policymakers do to address the challenges younger Australians are facing? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, Associate Professor Ben Edwards from ANU joins us to talk about his new research on the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, and why more younger Australians are experiencing serious psychological distress. Ben Edwards is an Associate Professor of Child and Youth Development at ANU Cen

In part two of this special Policy Forum Pod, we hear personal perspectives and COVID-19 policy prescriptions from Sara Bice, Matthew Sussex, and Libby Hackett.What are the qualities of successful institutions and leaders during a crisis? How can governments improve their public messaging and arrest a trend of declining trust? And how are globalised educational institutions coping and adapting to the major ruptures caused by the coronavirus crisis? On this Policy Forum Pod, we hear from three experts from ANU Crawford School of Public Policy - Sara Bice, Matthew Sussex, and Libby Hackett - about public policy, leadership, and political communication in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew Sussex is an Associate Professor and Academic Director at the National Security College. His main research specialisation is on Russian foreign and security policy.Libby Hackett is Principal at Nous Group, an international management consultancy people working across Australia, the United Kingdom and Can

This week on Policy Forum Pod we get some personal perspectives on some of the many policy problems that the pandemic presents from Quentin Grafton, Helen Sullivan, and Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt.The coronavirus crisis has raised some big questions for policymakers and shone a light on policy problems around the world. On this special Policy Forum Pod, we hear some personal perspectives on the policy challenges that matter to Professor Quentin Grafton, Professor Helen Sullivan, and Professor Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt – from how to get better leadership, to creating an economy that works for everyone, and ensuring that post-crisis policy doesn’t make life even worse for those already struggling.This week’s pod is the first in a two-part special where we look at some of the perspectives shared on Crawford School’s new COVID-19 micro-site. The micro-site brings together contributions from academic and professional staff reflecting on the coronavirus crisis, what they think are the key issues that need addressing, how a publi

On this special episode during National Reconciliation Week, we speak to Dr Virginia Marshall and Professor Tony Dreise about Indigenous health, listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and the ongoing march for equality.With outcomes on many key indicators of Indigenous health falling short of those for non-Indigenous Australians, how can policymakers better listen to Indigenous voices and improve community wellbeing? How will the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic impact Indigenous Australians? And what does National Reconciliation Week mean for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the context of ongoing policy failure? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, Professor Sharon Bessell speaks with Dr Virginia Marshall and Professor Tony Dreise about Indigenous health policy, the COVID-19 crisis, and what’s needed for Australia to achieve genuine reconciliation.Dr Virginia Marshall is an Inaugural Indigenous Postdoctoral Fellow with the ANU School of Regu

With the $550 coronavirus supplement set to expire in September, we speak with Professor Peter Whiteford about the future of Australia’s JobSeeker program as calls grow for a permanent raising of the rate.Prior to the coronavirus crisis, there were calls from all sides of politics for the Australian government to increase the rate of its unemployment benefit, formerly known as Newstart. The Morrison government long resisted this pressure, but the economic cataclysm brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic brought about major, albeit temporary, policy change. While the government insisted that the new coronavirus supplement is a short-term option, some of the 1.6 million people on JobSeeker, and the additional 6.1 million people on JobKeeper, may face the prospect of extended unemployment if the promised economic ‘snapback’ fails to materialise. But what will happen to those still unemployed, and the economy as a whole, if/when the supplement ends? And, if the government is to raise the rate, by how much should it

In this episode, we look at the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on perhaps one of Australia’s most underappreciated sectors, volunteering.Despite often going under the radar, the volunteering sector makes a huge contribution to society. From our rural fire-fighting services, to our local sports organisations, and beyond, volunteers play a bigger part in Australian life than many probably realise. But what has been the impact of the current crisis on volunteers? And what can policymakers do to better support and value volunteering? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, we speak to The Australian National University’s Professor Nicholas Biddle and CEO of Volunteering Australia Adrienne Picone about how COVID-19 has re-shaped volunteering in Australia.Professor Nicholas Biddle is Associate Director of the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods and Director of the newly created Policy Experiments Lab.Adrienne Picone is the Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Australia.Martyn Pearce is a presenter f

In this episode, we discuss the importance of infrastructure in Australia’s economic recovery and what the future holds for major projects in the wake of COVID-19.It was key to Australia’s economic recovery from the Global Financial Crisis, but what is the role of infrastructure as the country manages the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic? With delays, cancellations, and mothballing costing billions, how can policymakers ensure they consult appropriately to get projects right? And with suburbia acting as the new CBD due to health restrictions and business closures, what will future infrastructure projects look like as we all continue to live with the impacts of COVID-19? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, we speak to Associate Professor Sara Bice and Kirsty O’Connell about how to get infrastructure policy right, and its importance in post-coronavirus economic recovery.Dr Sara Bice is Co-Director of Research Translation at the Melbourne School of Government and Senior Research Fellow at Crawfo

In this episode, we chat to Dr John Hewson and Dr Arnagretta Hunter about the catastrophic and existential risks facing humanity, and what we can do to ensure our future.With people around the world suffering at the hands of COVID-19, the virus has shone a spotlight on our vulnerability to a global disease outbreak. But pandemics like COVID-19 are far from the only serious risks threatening citizens and nations across our planet. A new report from the Commission for the Human Future (CHF) identifies 10 catastrophic and existential risks facing humanity. So what are the risks, and what can be done to address them? In the new episode of Policy Forum Pod, CHF Chair Dr John Hewson and CHF Board Member Dr Arnagretta Hunter join us to discuss these risks, and the future of humanity.Dr Arnagretta Hunter is a cardiologist, physician, and a Senior Clinical Lecturer for The Australian National University Medical School.Dr John Hewson AM is an Honorary Professorial Fellow at Crawford School of Public

In this episode, Professor Helen Sullivan and Dr Christian Downie examine the role of international organisations in the fight against COVID-19.The United States government’s decision to withdraw funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the coronavirus crisis has brought simmering tension sharply to the surface. So have international organisations, such as the WHO and G20, handled the crisis effectively? With the economic impacts of the virus set to be truly enormous, what is the future of the global architecture of institutions, many of which function on fine margins financially? And how can Australia and other small and medium-size nations ensure these organisations are working for the global public good, rather than as vehicles for major power competition? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, The Australian National University’s Professor Helen Sullivan and Dr Christian Downie join us to discuss the response of international organisations to COVID-19, what the future might hold

In this episode, we discuss what long-term changes the coronavirus crisis might bring about in healthcare, politics, and citizen engagement.Will the pandemic change how society values essential workers, especially in the healthcare sector? Rather than ‘snapping back’ to business as usual, will the Australian government persist with a selection of the ostensibly temporary interventions that are aiding the health and wellbeing of Australians? Will the newfound spirit of cooperation between the federal and state and territory governments continue after the crisis? And how will citizens engage with politics and their communities after a prolonged period of isolation? In the second and final part of our special episode on hope and life after COVID-19, we speak to Professor Sharon Friel and Associate Professor Carolyn Hendriks about the future of Australia’s health and political systems. Professor Sharon Friel is Director of School of Regulation and Global Governance at The Australian National University.

In part one of this special two-part episode we discuss Australia’s economic future after the coronavirus pandemic with former Federal Opposition Leader Dr John Hewson.It’s often said in politics that you ‘should never waste a good crisis’. But does the coronavirus crisis signal that it’s time to make major structural changes in the Australian economy? Should the government take a stake in businesses like airlines to ensure they survive? And after the crisis, will the government be able to wind back measures that are likely to receive broad public support, such as free childcare and an increase to unemployment benefits? In part one of our special two part episode on hope and life after COVID-19, we speak to Dr John Hewson about Australia’s economy after the pandemic.Dr John Hewson AM is an Honorary Professorial Fellow at Crawford School of Public Policy. He is an economic and financial expert with experience in academia, business, government, media, and the financial system. Dr Hewson join

This week we discuss whether Australia’s coronavirus prevention measures are fit for purpose and take a look at the challenges facing victims of family violence who are stuck at home due to the pandemic.Are Australia’s COVID-19 prevention measures sustainable? How can policymakers get the balance right in the coming months and maybe years while the world searches for a vaccine? And what has been the impact of the pandemic on those living in abusive relationships? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, Professor Sharon Bessell chats with infectious diseases expert Professor Peter Collignon AM about Australia’s COVID-19 prevention measures, before Dr Bianca Calabria joins us to discuss family violence during the pandemic.Professor Peter Collignon AM is an infectious diseases physician and microbiologist at the Canberra Hospital. He is currently Executive Director of ACT Pathology and a Professor at The Australian National University Medical School.Dr Bianca Calabria is a Research Fellow at the Research Schoo

This week we discuss how policymakers and individuals can manage uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic, plus how best to speak to children about the virus and its impacts.The COVID-19 pandemic has created huge amounts of uncertainty for people across the globe, in both their personal and professional lives. But how can governments and experts communicate effectively to reduce people’s anxiety around these kinds of upheavals? What can individuals do to cope with this uncertainty? And how can parents talk to their children about the crisis in an age-appropriate way? In this episode, we talk to Professor Michael Smithson about the psychology of uncertainty in the pandemic, before Nicola Palfrey joins us to discuss how adults can talk about COVID-19 with children.Nicola Palfrey is Operations and Research Manager at The Australian National University Medical School and Director of the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss, and Grief Network. She is also a clinical psychologist and a Churchill Fellow.P

On this episode, we discuss how to care for mental health during an unprecedented period of community isolation due to the coronavirus.While the world is focused on tackling the immediate danger from COVID-19, the physical isolation required to stop the spread can have a significant impact on people’s mental health. Serious financial pressures, job losses, and anxiety about the future have made it hard for many to cope. So, with Australia’s mental health system struggling before the crisis, how will it cope with any increased demand? What role can telehealth play in alleviating some of the burden? And what are ordinary members of the community doing to support each other in this challenging time?On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, our panel - Luis Salvador-Carulla and Sebastian Rosenberg - discusses how policymakers can support the population’s mental health, and how people can maintain a sense of social connection during this period of isolation.Professor Luis Salvador-Carulla is Head of the Centre for Ment