Cis Podcast

Australia isn’t the only country exposed to a novel coronavirus recession in China. The COVID-19 epidemic is first and foremost a human tragedy, but it also has raised fears about the performance of the Chinese economy and everyone who supplies it. According to some scholars, such as Minxin Pei, the outbreak of the new and deadly epidemic is exposing the vulnerabilities of China’s top-down regime. He calls it a disease of Chinese autocracy. Coronavirus, the argument goes, highlights the already low levels of trust in party-state media reporting. Others disagree, arguing that Beijing has handled the crisis better than anyone had expected compared with two decades ago. After all, Beijing has been more transparent than it was with the SARS epidemic of 2002-03. And in response to the crisis, the regime has locked down cities, cut transport links and is rapidly building new hospitals and medical facilities. But what happens if the virus can’t be suppressed? How significant will the economic loss and severe trave

The world's governments have picked 169 well-meaning targets, promising everything to everyone. But too many targets mean no priorities. The Copenhagen Consensus Centre has looked into the data and found the targets that would do the most good. While participants at the World Economic Forum just voted the top global risk to be extreme weather, most of the rest of the world wants us to concentrate on the many other problems that cause much more damage than global warming. They point to the immense challenges within health, education, nutrition and corruption - issues, that are much less costly and easier to fix. Dr Lomborg worked with fifty teams of the world’s top economists and several Nobel Laureates to look at where the world can do the most good for every dollar spent. Bjorn Lomborg presents some of the best investment options for humanity — and discuss how we can avoid some of the worst.

Many seasoned experts of American politics believe Donald Trump is the most vulnerable first-term president since Jimmy Carter four decades ago. After all, his refusal to abide by familiar presidential decorum, especially in his public statements and attacks on individuals, turns off a majority of voters. However, the Democrats are moving to the ideological Left so rapidly that they may let Trump turn this year’s presidential election into a choice between Trump’s policy record (tax cuts, deregulation) that has led to a more prosperous America and the most extreme US left-wing agenda in living memory. In the immediate aftermath of the Iowa Caucuses, CIS executive director, Tom Switzer convened our panel on the state of US politics in 2020. The result, which was marred by delays, technical mishaps and confusion came in a week as Donald Trump delivered the State of the Union and survived impeachment. Who’s the most likely Democrat contender? Why is the party of Kennedy and Clinton becoming more interventioni

To launch Restoring Hope: Practical Policies to Revitalise the Australian Economy by Andrew Stone, CIS welcomed former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, editor-at-large for the Australian, Paul Kelly and CIS executive director, Tom Switzer. Andrew, Tony, Paul and Tom sat down to have a conversation on Australia’s economic outlook for 2020, climate policy and immigration, the panel also took questions from the audience. It was also at this forum which former Prime Minister Tony Abbott called for middle-class women to have more children, saying current rates of childbirth among this group were a "real problem". https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/abbott-calls-for-middle-class-women-to-have-more-children-20200128-p53vkx.html Since the Howard government, Australia’s per capita growth rate has slumped and wage growth has been anaemic, while housing prices have skyrocketed relative to household incomes. Commonwealth net debt has surged and Australia has become much more vulnerable to an economic shock than prior to

Changing the Debate; Our expert panel comprised of CIS’s Indigenous Program director, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO, Dr Anthony Dillon and Chris Kenny of Sky News joined us at the Centre for Independent Studies for a conversation on how best to change the debate surrounding indigenous issues. When the nation debates whether we should change the date of Australia Day, we should ask; How is any of this going to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians in practical terms? How is this going to generate economic development and employment opportunities, reduce rates of domestic violence, reduce rates of incarceration, produce better health outcomes or help Indigenous Australians empower themselves away from the victim mentality? Will the “Voice” help or hinder indigenous prosperity? In recent years, symbolic acts and gestures have distracted and deferred attention from the real issues that Indigenous Australians face. However, since the 1970s, governments and NGOs have been motivated by

The 2019 CIS Nanny Awards take a look back at the year's best and most absurd attempts of the state to try to meddle and infringe on our daily lives. Presented by CIS Executive Director, Tom Switzer and Emeritus Professor Steven Schwartz. 1st; The Australian Federal Government's bash ban. 2nd; New South Wales Police ban dancing at Sydney’s Fringe Festival. Equal 3rd; Nanny state risking our right to cheese and the City of Bunbury bans mermaids from public swimming pools. Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates. http://www.cis.org.au

On Thursday, 5 December we launched Richard Alston’s new book, More to Life than Politics (Connor Court). Alston, a renowned former cabinet minister of the Howard Government and high commissioner in London was joined by former Prime Minister John Howard, they sat down to conversation led by Tom Switzer. In his book, the former diplomat, barrister, cabinet minister and veteran Liberal senator details among other things his role in the major national debates about privatisation, innovation, information technology, the Arts and the ABC. “A brilliant politician in exactly the right place when the Internet arrived.” Ziggy Switkowski, CEO, Telstra (1999-05) “His obvious intellect and his love of the Arts laid the foundations for today’s successes.” David Gonski, Chancellor, UNSW (2005 – Present) “An outstanding communications minister, who really understood the industry.” John Howard, Prime Minister (1996-07) Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more

China has become a key nation for Australia’s future – for our security, economy and identity. But what are China’s intentions when it comes to Australia? In the Xi Jinping era, Beijing has stepped up its campaign for influence, over hearts and minds, mineral and agricultural resources, media outlets and sea lanes. Yet the Communist regime wants more — as much power and influence over Australia as it can possibly get, using fair means or foul. However, what Beijing can get is limited not just by China’s abilities, but also by Australia’s will. In each case, where Chinese officials or agents attempted to intrude, they met Australian resistance. And they failed. For all its power, China is neither all-powerful nor irresistible. Australia can shape its engagement with Beijing. Peter Hartcher is political editor of the Sydney Morning Herald and author of Quarterly Essay’s “Red Flag, Waking up to the China Challenge” Julie Bishop was foreign minister of Australia from 2013 to 2018 and federal Liberal Member for

Brexit Party MEP and Director of the Academy of Ideas Claire Fox discusses how the Remainer elite have delegitimised the Brexit vote. Ever since the British people voted to leave the European Union in 2016, Remainers have actively tried to thwart the will of the people. They constantly spin a narrative, that Brexit voters were stupid and gullible to know what they voted for. If this process has shown one thing, it is how thin democracy is, and how easily same and willing to throw it away when they don't win. Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates. http://www.cis.org.au

In conversation with Sue Windybank, Geoff Raby discusses the internal and external problems plaguing China. Unrest in Hong Kong threatens Beijing's authority. Whereas, economic challenges and a trade war with the US risk future economic growth. Raby has been a vocal critic of Australia's approach to the PRC and believes inflamed rhetoric risks this important bilateral relationship. What does the future of China/Australia relations look like? And, can Australia reset their foreign policy in the Asia region? Australian economist and diplomat Geoff Raby discusses the potential fallout from the Hong Kong protests. After more than four months, it appears there is no solution to the Hong Kong crisis. The longer the protests continue the more Beijing will see Hong Kong as a threat to their authority. At home, Beijing needs to ensure its economic growth continues. What will the next stage of Chinese development look like? Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Stud

Director of the Free Market Foundation Mate Hajba, has been a strong critic of Hungarian Prime Minster Viktor Orban. Hajba says, under Orban, there has been an undeniable erosion in the rule of law in Hungary. But Orban still has political opponents, and it is not impossible to win elections. When Hungary is discussed in Australia, it usually involves Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Mate Hajba says Orban is one of the most divisive figures in Hungary, since the fall of Communism. Hajba argues that what Orban has built is an illiberal democracy - modelled after China and Russia. Although there has been an erosion of freedoms - and Hajba is very critical of Orban - it is not impossible to win elections. Prosperity doesn't come in you don't work for it - so what does the future of Hungary look like? Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates. http://www.cis.org.au

American historian Daniel Pipes discusses antisemitism. Islamic antisemitism remains the greatest threat. But many western countries are witnessing a rise in left-wing antisemitism. Pipes attributes this to a certain sympathy many western leftists have towards various Islamic causes. Pipes also believes non-Muslims need to help reformers and moderates to modernise Islam. Islamic terrorism has meant that we in the west now openly talk about Islam. Daniel Pipes, suggests that this discussion should focus on the Muslim reformers and how the west can help them to fight the fundamentalists. Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates. http://www.cis.org.au

In this interview with Simon Cowan, economics professor, John Taylor argues that countries should focus on cutting taxes and regulation if they want to boost growth. Taylor also suggests that central banks need to become better strategists and explain their decisions. It has been an interesting decade in monetary policy. Professor of economics John Taylor discusses the warning signs we ignored, and what can be done to avoid a crash in the future. In an attempt to stimulate economic growth the US has focussed on reducing tax rates and regulation. Taylor suggests other countries should follow suit. Taylor also warns of the potential dangers of economists becoming too partisan and insists we need to continue to have good economic discussions. Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates. http://www.cis.org.au

Parental school choice in Australia. Led by Fiona Mueller, the CIS education program focuses on School Choice and School Funding among its key areas of research. School choice continues to be a policy area that attracts considerable public attention, particularly concerning funding strategies. Choosing a school is important to parents, but new CIS research shows that many experience buyer’s remorse. To coincide with the release of our upcoming report on school choice, we held a discussion moderated by Fiona Mueller CIS education program director. The panel featured Glenn Fahey CIS research fellow, Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, Michael Nuttall, Executive Officer of Australian Primary Principals Association and Dianne Giblin, CEO of Australian Council of State School Organisations. Dallas McInerney was appointed CEO of Catholic Schools NSW in August 2017. CSNSW is the representative body of almost 600 Catholic schools. It is also the system authority for the approximately 550 NSW Catholic di

In his book, Ten Remarkable Australians, Ian Macfarlane pens biographical essays about ten Australians, who were once prominent and well known for their achievements on the world stage, but whose images have faded from the national memory. Written in the tradition of the eminent historian Geoffrey Blainey, Macfarlane salutes the Australia of this period and its talented expatriates. Ian Macfarlane and Tom Switzer – host a discussion on this fascinating new book. Macfarlane hopes to rekindle interest in our history among the broader community and aims to give the modern reader an opportunity to discover these individuals. Tom Switzer is executive director of the Centre for Independent Studies and a former editor of the Spectator Australia. Ian Macfarlane was governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia from 1996 to 2006. His book is Ten Remarkable Australians: They made their mark on the world but were forgotten (Connor Court). “This is a journey into Australia’s forgotten past, a series of compelling portrai

Hear from Simon Heffer, a leading conservative commentator who has known Boris Johnson for three decades, as we discuss the UK’s newest and most enigmatic leader. The British Conservative grassroots have voted Boris Johnson for leader in large numbers because they believe he has the charisma, showmanship and, incidentally, views on Brexit to ensure Britain leaves the European Union successfully on October 31. As a result, the Tory rank-and-file members believe their re-born party will win the next general election handsomely. However, Simon Heffer has serious doubts. Boris is not a lovable rogue, nor is he likely to unite the Conservative party. No one, according to Professor Heffer, should bet on the new Prime Minister shaping the destiny of Britain and her people for much more than a brief, and possibly deeply troubling, interlude. Simon Heffer is a columnist for The Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, London, and professor of modern British history at the University of Buckingham. He is author of, among oth

The arts are battered and boxed in by the proliferating dos and don’ts of political correctness, the predations of gotcha identity politics and the hypersensitivities of the #MeToo movement. The John Bonython Lecture is the annual Gala event for the Centre for Independent Studies. Designed to advance the principles of free choice, individual liberty, defend cultural freedom and the open exchange of ideas – this year’s lecture was no different. Award winning American author and opinion writer Lionel Shriver delivered this year’s lecture. She eviscerated the modern-day obsession with identity politics, political correctness and the hypersensitivities of the #MeToo movement that are threatening creativity. Shriver’s breakout novel We Need to Talk About Kevin has sold over 1 million copies and was made into a feature film starring Tilda Swinton. Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates. http://www.cis.org.au

The arts are battered and boxed in by the proliferating dos and don’ts of political correctness, the predations of gotcha identity politics and the hypersensitivities of the #MeToo movement. The John Bonython Lecture is the annual Gala event for the Centre for Independent Studies. Designed to advance the principles of free choice, individual liberty, defend cultural freedom and the open exchange of ideas – this year’s lecture was no different. Award winning American author and opinion writer Lionel Shriver delivered this year’s lecture. She eviscerated the modern-day obsession with identity politics, political correctness and the hypersensitivities of the #MeToo movement that are threatening creativity. Shriver’s breakout novel We Need to Talk About Kevin has sold over 1 million copies and was made into a feature film starring Tilda Swinton. Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studies' for more updates. http://www.cis.org.au

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s increasingly hardline rule at home and growing assertiveness abroad show few signs of moderating despite recent pushback. If anything, Beijing is becoming more uncompromising — whether it be over the Uighurs in Xinjiang and protests in Hong Kong, or in the South China Sea as its military power grows. Meanwhile, Australian attitudes towards the PRC are hardening. Protests have broken out over Confucius Institutes on university campuses, and there have even been calls to nationalise the Darwin port leased to a Chinese company a few years ago. But can Australia afford to get tougher with China? One in three of our export dollars are earned in Chinese markets and further economic opportunities beckon. Or should the question be: can we afford not to get tougher with the PRC, as the divergence between our values and security interests grows starker? Join human rights advocate and CIS scholar-in-residence Anastasia Lin, chairman of Vantage Asia Holdings and China Matters advisory bo

China uses its trade power as leverage to infiltrate institutions and bully virtually every Western nation. Anastasia Lin knows this firsthand, having grown up in Communist China and faced down the regime as an international human-rights activist. Even after Chinese rights advocates immigrate to the West, the Communist Party uses their family members in China as leverage to silence and intimidate them. The free world should unite to counter Beijing’s abuse. Anastasia Lin, an actress and Miss World Canada 2015, is the Centre for Independent Studies scholar-in-residence in 2019. She is the Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s ambassador for China policy and a senior fellow at the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. In 2015, Lin was denied a Chinese visa to attend the 65th annual Miss World contest on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, because of her outspoken advocacy for human rights and religious freedom in China. Follow the CIS on Twitter @CISOZ or find us on Facebook 'The Centre for Independent Studie