Tuesday Forums

Forums have a "current affairs" focus covering local events, politics, science, the environment and international events.

Sessions are held via Zoom typically on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm and run from February to early June and from mid-July to November.

There are two registration options:

* Pre-register for all talks during the year and you will automatically be sent Zoom login details each week, i.e. there will not be any need to register on a weekly basis. (Note: Those who pre-registered in 2025 will automatically be transferred to the 2026 Forums.)
* Register on a weekly basis for the Forums which interest you. Registration will open in the week preceding the talk and the details are advertised with each Forum.

Access PAST FORUMS (log in required)

Date	Forum details
10 March	Why Economic Performance Varies Across Australian States and Territories — and What It Means for Policy Professor John Hawkins Australian states and territories differ markedly in growth, productivity, employment and living standards. This talk explores the drivers of these differences and their policy implications. Professor John Hawkins is a Senior Lecturer in Economics and Public Policy and is head of the Canberra School of Government at the University of Canberra. John holds degrees from ANU, LSE and Macquarie University. He has worked at the Reserve Bank of Australia, Australian Treasury and the Bank for International Settlements, and is a regular media commentator. 👉Registrations open 3 March 9AM and close 9 March 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.
17 March	Cybersecurity update – what are the latest threats and what can you do to minimise the risk Wayne Custodio As a follow up to the successful Cybersecurity Forum on May 2025 Network NSW and U3A Canberra are holding another seminar on the above topic. In the past twelve months (since the last talk) threats have increased: Attackers are increasingly weaponizing artificial intelligence to automate and scale attacks (making it harder to detect and defend against), and Ransomware has surged in volume and sophistication. Learn how to protect yourself against the increasing array of threats. Wayne Custodio is a trusted expert in digital transformation, strategic innovation, and cybersecurity. With over 25 years of experience working with government agencies, corporations, and small businesses, Wayne is passionate about making cybersecurity accessible, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed by technology. 👉Registrations open 10 March 9AM and close 16 March 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.
24 March	Think Tanks: What Role Do They Play in Policy Development? Alex Gosman and Dr Malcolm Roberts This session explores how think tanks influence public policy, political debate and government decision-making, and why their role is growing amid complex policy challenges. Alex Gosman is a former industry association executive specialising in public policy. Malcolm Roberts is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Petroleum. He is a former Productivity Commission Commissioner with extensive experience in public policy and the energy sector. Malcolm still undertakes regulatory reports for the Queensland Gov. 👉Registrations open 17 March 9AM and close 23 March 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.

Date

Forum details

10 March

Why Economic Performance Varies Across Australian States and Territories — and What It Means for Policy

Professor John Hawkins

Australian states and territories differ markedly in growth, productivity, employment and living standards. This talk explores the drivers of these differences and their policy implications.

Professor John Hawkins is a Senior Lecturer in Economics and Public Policy and is head of the Canberra School of Government at the University of Canberra.
John holds degrees from ANU, LSE and Macquarie University. He has worked at the Reserve Bank of Australia, Australian Treasury and the Bank for International Settlements, and is a regular media commentator.

👉Registrations open 3 March 9AM and close 9 March 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

17 March

Cybersecurity update – what are the latest threats and what can you do to minimise the risk

Wayne Custodio

As a follow up to the successful Cybersecurity Forum on May 2025 Network NSW and U3A Canberra are holding another seminar on the above topic. In the past twelve months (since the last talk) threats have increased: Attackers are increasingly weaponizing artificial intelligence to automate and scale attacks (making it harder to detect and defend against), and Ransomware has surged in volume and sophistication.

Learn how to protect yourself against the increasing array of threats.

Wayne Custodio is a trusted expert in digital transformation, strategic innovation, and cybersecurity. With over 25 years of experience working with government agencies, corporations, and small businesses, Wayne is passionate about making cybersecurity accessible, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed by technology.

👉Registrations open 10 March 9AM and close 16 March 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

24 March

Think Tanks: What Role Do They Play in Policy Development?

Alex Gosman and Dr Malcolm Roberts

This session explores how think tanks influence public policy, political debate and government decision-making, and why their role is growing amid complex policy challenges.

Alex Gosman is a former industry association executive specialising in public policy.

Malcolm Roberts is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Petroleum. He is a former Productivity Commission Commissioner with extensive experience in public policy and the energy sector. Malcolm still undertakes regulatory reports for the Queensland Gov.

👉Registrations open 17 March 9AM and close 23 March 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

For enquiries email