Perth Dialogue

In this Perth Dialogue, Sophie Howe, former Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, explores how Western Australia can build a more prosperous, resilient and liveable future. Drawing on lessons from Wales and global best practice, she examines how long-term thinking can help shape better outcomes for current and future generations.

What kind of Western Australia do we want to leave behind for future generations? How can a state rich in opportunity prepare for the challenges of climate change, housing affordability, technological disruption and an ageing population? And how do governments move beyond short-term thinking to create lasting prosperity and wellbeing? In this Perth Dialogue, Sophie Howe argues that the answers lie in planning for the long term, placing future generations at the heart of decision-making and using today’s strengths to shape a better tomorrow.

In this Perth Dialogue Professor Peter Quinn, Dr Shawna Pandya, Roger Hunter, Dr Ruby Wright, Dr Nichole Barry, Professor James Osborn and Bill Diamond explore the impact of space research – showing how reaching for the stars is changing the way we live, innovate and understand our universe.

What does it mean to be human? What needs drive national survival in this day and age? How can developed and emerging nations alike advance their native capabilities for economic development, scientific advancement, and innovation? What would the world be like if we did not indulge in that fundamental human trait that compels us to ask “why is this like this,” “what happens if we explore this,” or, at its most fundamental level, simply put, “what if?”. These are all relevant, though seemingly unrelated questions that may each find their answer in a single unifying question: Why do we research space?

The Forrest Research Foundation is proud to launch its Perth Dialogue on modern slavery by Professor Dame Sara Thornton (former UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner) and Associate Professor of Law Dr Fiona McGaughey (The University of Western Australia) with the foreword written by Mr Chris Evans (inaugural Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner)

For tens of millions of people around the world, slavery isn’t a vestige of the past, but a reality. In Australia alone, an estimated 41,000 people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021. Like all nations, Australia is at risk of perpetuating this phenomenon, not only within its borders but through the products it imports. Therefore understanding the part we play in modern slavery and how we can address this pervasive issue is crucial.