Gregory Phillips on The Republic and Aboriginal Peoples

What should an inclusive, modern Australian nation-state look like? With Australians generally disengaged from the political system and Aboriginal peoples not properly included in the first place, the Republic movement is perhaps the perfect avenue to address some of these issues.

Anthropologist and lecturer in Aboriginal health Gregory Phillips argues that if we are to resolve the big picture concerns of sustainability (economic and environmental) and national identity (our place in the region and world), the viewpoints of Indigenous voters must be incorporated into the political conversation. In order to move forward and adopt a more inclusive and effective system of government that brings black and white voters into synchronicity, an Australian Republic must be considered as the most viable solution.

Lunchbox/Soapbox

We love exploring ideas at the Wheeler Centre, and encouraging others to do the same. That’s why every Thursday lunchtime we hand the microphone over to the great thinkers, dreamers and orators of our time.

With a dazzling range of passionate speakers and unusual topics, our soapbox provides a platform for the eclectic, topical and enlightening stories you won’t hear elsewhere. This is the most memorable lunch break you’ll have all week.

If you’re in need of sustenance of body as well as mind, the MOAT lunch cart will be serving delicious $15 lunchboxes in the performance space from 12.20pm.