In this instalment of Griffith University’s conversation series, A Better Future for All, distinguished journalist and author Kerry O’Brien talks with Professor Kristy Muir, CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, about the role of philanthropy in realising important social outcomes. Philanthropic partnerships are proving pivotal in improving social out…

For Griffith University's A Better Future for All series, in partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts, Kerry O'Brien welcomed Senator the Honourable Penny Wong Faced with deteriorating relationships in the Pacific and increasing tension with our biggest trading partner, China, Penny Wong has spent her first year as Foreign Minister travelling at whi…

With no presence in Australia’s mainland government, the country’s conservative political forces face their most significant challenge in years: winning back the trust and reversing the drift in its voting base. Queensland Opposition leader David Crisafulli and veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien discuss the vision he has for the future of Queensland …

Artificial intelligence has the capacity to completely transform the world, changing everything from interplanetary travel to cooking perfect pasta. But what are the costs: If everything changes through AI, how will we deal with the downside? The latest instalment of Griffith University’s Better Future for All series sees journalist Kerry O’Brien e…

With more than 70 million downloads, Hedley Thomas’s The Teacher’s Pet is the global podcast phenomenon that helped take down a killer. In the latest instalment of Griffith University’s A Better Future for All series, Kerry O’Brien talks to the award-winning investigative journalist and podcaster about the power of audio storytelling, and how his w…

Griffith University’s A Better Future For All draws back the curtain on David Williamson AO, the most prolific playwright in the history of Australian theatre. His works have captivated audiences for more than half a century and he has made an indelible mark on the creative world both nationally and internationally. Last year David published his me…

Join Kerry O’Brien in conversation with two outstanding leaders in the field of mental health education and treatment: Hugh van Cuylenburg and Professor Patrick McGorry AO. Australia is in the grip of an epidemic of anxiety, particularly affecting children and young adults. According to government health figures, 3.3 million Australians suffer from…

Kerry O’Brien in conversation with one of Australia’s most well-respected journalists Leigh Sales AM. With 27 years at the helm of the ABC’s 7:30 between them, the pair discussed life at the pinnacle of daily television current affairs. Leigh talked about the big historic moments she’s covered, the prime ministers who have come and gone, the interv…

Acclaimed filmmaker and producer Rachel Perkins is best known for her work promoting and showcasing Indigenous stories and culture through film and television. But, born into a culture of Indigenous activism, her reach and impact extend well beyond the screen. Heralding the 2023 return of Griffith University’s conversation series, A Better Future f…

Kerry O’Brien speaks with ballet power couple Li Cunxin AO and Mary Li to reveal the intertwined tales of this remarkable pair. Held Friday 25 February, 2022 at Home of the Arts, Gold Coast. Full summary: https://enlighten.griffith.edu.au/cunxin-li/ Chapters Introduction from Vice Chancellor and President of Griffith University Professor Carolyn Ev…

For this conversation in Griffith University’s A Better Future for All interview series, Kerry O’Brien welcomed a panel of contemporary literary figures to the HOTA stage. Acclaimed novelists David Malouf, Melissa Lucashenko and Trent Dalton sat with Kerry to discuss their work within the context of Australia’s evolving storytelling culture. Each w…

In partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts, Griffith University’s A Better Future For All series continues with one of Australia’s most prolific arts professionals Rachel Griffiths AM talking with Kerry O’Brien about her celebrated career. Rachel is an Academy Award Nominated and multi award-winning actress whose impressive career has spanned from …

Critically injured in a traffic accident while still a medical student more than a decade ago, Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM has broken more barriers than most people even face in a lifetime. Join host Kerry O’Brien as he and Dinesh delved into the good doctor’s extraordinary life and work, in what was an evening of insightful, emotional, and candid conve…

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce AC joined Kerry O’Brien, undeniably Australia’s premier interviewer, for the inaugural A Better Future for All event at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on Thursday 30 July 2020 to discuss the challenges facing the aviation and tourism industries in the face of COVID-19. https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/event-livestream/ Held…

Renowned workers’ rights advocate and ACTU Secretary Sally McManus joined interviewer extraordinaire Kerry O’Brien to explore an array of important issues in employment, from the rise of the gig economy to the future of unions and the evolving face of work in Australia and around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other social and t…

In this conversation, renowned journalist Kerry O’Brien and celebrated Indigenous author Bruce Pascoe explored the way Bruce’s critically acclaimed book Dark Emu: Aboriginal Australia and the birth of Agriculture challenges conventional thinking about the First Australians as hunter gatherers. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/bruc…

Kerry O’Brien and former United States Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich discussed the 2020 US election. The November 2020 presidential contest between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was not only important for the United States, but for the world. The future of this region will be shaped by the outcome. Less than a week before the 2020 election, Jeff…

Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Professor Nigel McMillan, Dr Rebecca Huntley and Mik Auckland. In the final instalment for 2020, host Kerry O’Brien lead a panel discussion on the human side of the pandemic and how this collective experience might change society. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/imagining-the-future-live-event/ …

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has a unique opportunity to lead Queensland through the state’s first four-year fixed term with an increased majority after the recent election. At this critical time the big decisions her government makes will shape Queensland’s future for many years to come. This conversation with veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien dis…

Grace Tame is a remarkable young leader and the 2021 Australian of the Year. Her courage and example are empowering survivors of sexual assault to reclaim their agency by telling their stories. In this conversation with Kerry O'Brien, Grace explores why we need to hear the stories of survivors. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/gra…

Professor John Rasko is a globally pre-eminent physician-scientist whose work on regenerative medicine and biotechnology is fundamentally changing our understanding of diseases and their cures. In this interview with Kerry O’Brien, John spoke about science, stem-cell research and the future of medicine. Full summary https://betterfuture.griffith.ed…

In this episode Kerry O’Brien interviews Rhoda Roberts AO and Wesley Enoch AM about the power of cultural expression in shaping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understanding and knowledge, and the role of arts outlets in amplifying Indigenous voices. Full summary: https://betterfuture.griffith.edu.au/rhoda-wesley/ CHAPTERS Vice Chancellor’s i…

Stan Grant, a Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man, has built an illustrious career as an author, distinguished Australian and international broadcaster, and a powerful voice advocating for First Nations rights. Stan joins another titan of journalism Kerry O’Brien, to explore the opportunities and challenges facing our rapidly and unpredictable changing wor…

Award winning journalist and author of acclaimed book, See What you Made me Do, Jess Hill joins veteran journalist Kerry O'Brien to discuss what needs to be done to stop Australia's epidemic of domestic violence and coercive control. A compelling and passionate advocate, Jess’s years reporting exclusively on domestic violence in Australia make her …