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
19 May	Hate Laws and Freedom of Speech Greg Barns SC, Republic Chambers Hobart Greg argues that while hate speech laws aim to protect vulnerable groups, they must be carefully limited to avoid undermining free expression. He explores the tension between preventing harm and preserving open debate. Greg Barns SC, is an Australian barrister, former president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and a prominent civil liberties advocate and legal commentator. He was an adviser to the late John Fahey (Finance Minister). 👉Registrations open 12 May 9AM and close 18 May 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.
26 May	The Rohingya Genocide Melanie O'Brien, Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Western Australia Melanie will explore how Myanmar's military committed mass violence, displacement, and abuses, forcing many Rohingas to flee to Bangladesh. Do these acts meet the legal definition of genocide and require accountability? Melanie specialises in genocide, human rights, and international criminal law. She has advised UN bodies, published widely on atrocity crimes, and served as President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2021–2025). 👉Registrations open 19 May 9AM and close 25 May 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.

Date

Forum details

19 May

Hate Laws and Freedom of Speech

Greg Barns SC, Republic Chambers Hobart

Greg argues that while hate speech laws aim to protect vulnerable groups, they must be carefully limited to avoid undermining free expression. He explores the tension between preventing harm and preserving open debate.

Greg Barns SC, is an Australian barrister, former president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and a prominent civil liberties advocate and legal commentator. He was an adviser to the late John Fahey (Finance Minister).

👉Registrations open 12 May 9AM and close 18 May 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

26 May

The Rohingya Genocide

Melanie O'Brien, Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Western Australia

Melanie will explore how Myanmar's military committed mass violence, displacement, and abuses, forcing many Rohingas to flee to Bangladesh. Do these acts meet the legal definition of genocide and require accountability?

Melanie specialises in genocide, human rights, and international criminal law. She has advised UN bodies, published widely on atrocity crimes, and served as President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2021–2025).

👉Registrations open 19 May 9AM and close 25 May 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

For enquiries email