Lunchtime forums

U3A/COTA BYO lunchtime forums

Tuesdays from 22 May to 20 November, 12:30 - 1:45 p.m which includes time for Q & A. Main Hall, Hughes Community Centre. Entrance fee $2. Free tea and coffee provided. You need to bring your own cup. There is a hearing loop in the hall – people with hearing aids should adjust them to the ‘T’ position.

Forums are open to the public and booking is not required. But attendance is on a “first come” basis and doors will be closed if attendance reaches 140.

For further details contact Alex Gosman at

Date	Forum details
25 June	*Immigration – what are the truths behind the trends in Australia’s immigration figures* Presenter: Abul Rizvi, ex-Deputy Secretary, Dept of Immigration and well known commentator/writer on immigration policy
2 July	*A personal perspective on some key aspects of Russian history and culture* Presenter: Kyle Wilson, former Intelligence Analyst (Russia) & Visiting Fellow, Centre for European Studies, ANU Kyle will be speaking about his personal experiences in Russia
8 July	*Undertaking Counter–Terrorism & Protecting National Security* Presenter:Jacinta Carroll, Senior Research Fellow in Counter-Terrorism & Social Cohesion, National Security College, ANU
16 July	*The Role of the ACT Human Rights Commission (HRC)* Presenter: Representative of the ACT HRC The ACT was the first jurisdiction in Australia to enact legislation covering civil and political rights.
23 July	*Experiments in Happiness – Building Joy &Connection* Presenter: Rhian Williams (in conjunction with the Mental Health Council
30 July	*Why are people disengaged with politics and what do the numbers indicate.? What are possible solutions?* Presenter: Dr Jill Sheppard Lecturer, School of Politics & International Relations, ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences
6 August	*Australia’s Healthcare System – Options for Reform* Presenters: U3A members with health care experience across pharmaceuticals, consumer rights and healthcare analysis.
13 August	*Climate Change Update 1 - Impact of humans* Presenter: Professor Will Steffen, Member of the Anthropocene Working Group & the ACT Climate Council. We are now in a proposed new geological epoch - the Anthropocene - where humans have a dominant role in geology and ecology. What is the impact of humans on the Earth System as a whole – both the climate and the biosphere?
20 August	*Climate Change Update 2 – Adapting to climate change* Presenter: Professor Mark Stafford Smith, fmly Coordinater, Climate Change Adaptation, CSIRO. Adapting to climate change, including Australia which is particularly vulnerable to such change.
27 August	*What constitute good tax system design and directions for reform in Australia? How can the tax system address inequality?* Presenter: Professor Robert Breunig, Professor & Director, Tax & Transfer Policy, ANU Professor Breunig is one of Australia’s leading Public Policy Economists.

Lunchtime forums

U3A/COTA BYO lunchtime forums

Immigration – what are the truths behind the trends in Australia’s immigration figures

A personal perspective on some key aspects of Russian history and culture

Undertaking Counter–Terrorism & Protecting National Security

The Role of the ACT Human Rights Commission (HRC)

Experiments in Happiness – Building Joy &Connection

Why are people disengaged with politics and what do the numbers indicate.? What are possible solutions?

Australia’s Healthcare System – Options for Reform

Climate Change Update 1 - Impact of humans

Climate Change Update 2 – Adapting to climate change

What constitute good tax system design and directions for reform in Australia? How can the tax system address inequality?