A Big Dialogue: Australia’s Cost of Living Problem: Why It Arose and How To Fix It?

Join us for a unique, engaging discussion on what is not just a problem, but a cost of living crisis for many Australians – a subject that requires a more nuanced exploration and search for solutions than those offered during the recent election campaign.

This public dialogue event (not a debate) during ACE 2025, the flagship Australian Conference of Economists, together with Australians for Science and Freedom, in association with Australian Dialogues.

Expect to hear diverse perspectives, from economists and non-economists, as our speakers explore their differences but also seek common ground for practical solutions. With various causes of inflation and declining real incomes being canvassed – from fiscal and monetary policies to international supply chain issues, productivity, energy costs and changes in society – this discussion aims to break down complex issues without dumbing them down and to point the way towards practical solutions.

ABOUT THE FORMAT
The “Big Dialogue” format has been developed over the last five years, consistently demonstrating that civil conversation between people who disagree on difficult topics is not only still possible, in public, but can also be enlightening and enjoyable! This is the first one to be held in Sydney.

Big Dialogues are designed to demonstrate that contentious national issues can still be discussed frankly, fearlessly and civilly, in a non-partisan way, in public, by people of goodwill, in good faith, in pursuit of truth, progress – and better policy and outcomes. Past subjects addressed include universal basic income, the China-Australia relationship, climate change, pandemic management, energy transition, housing and social media impacts/regulation.

SPEAKER PROFILES
Moderator: Cameron Murray, Chief Economist, Fresh Economic Thinking
MC: Gigi Foster, Professor of Economics, University of New South Wales
Panellists:
Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor, University of Western Sydney

Alison Preston, Professor of Economics, University of Western Australia

Adam Creighton, Chief Economist and Senior Fellow, Institute of Public Affairs

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
On the occasion of the first Big Dialogue in Sydney, we will be launching a powerful new online discussion platform to enable ticket holders to continue the discussion one-on-one with someone of a different view, after the event.

• Guests will be able to submit questions for the speakers by email before the event and by SMS during the dialogue

• A small number of people in the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions from the floor

• The table seating mode is congenial for social discussion before and afterwards

• Come early, on your own or with friends, family and colleagues

• Review the discussion from the high quality video recording included in the ticket (no live stream)

• Really want to get involved? Volunteers always needed!

This event will be conducted under The Brisbane Rule: All participants agree to listen carefully, speak civilly, and concentrate on the content of discussions, not on characters – before, during and after, online and offline. Join us as we expand a space where curious citizens can listen and respond respectfully to differing expert views, striving towards better national policy discussions and outcomes.

EVENT LOGISTICS
Date: Mon 7 Jul 2025
Venue: Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000
Doors: 6pm for meet, greet, eat and seat
Dialogue: 7pm to approx 8.45pm
Event ends: Bar closes at [10pm]

The dialogue will start at 7pm sharp, so please arrive no later than 6.45pm and preferably nearer 6pm to have a bite and a drink and mix with other guests. Stay on afterwards to carry on the discussion.

Light food and non-alcoholic drinks included.

This is a family-friendly event and teenage attendance is encouraged.

Photo ID may be required – tickets are not transferrable unless arranged prior.

TICKET PRICING

Tickets available at the link: https://events.humanitix.com/a-big-dialogue-sydney-cost-of-living-problem

Tickets are priced to make the event as accessible as possible, with individual tickets from $10 for secondary students, helped by the donation of time and expertise of all the speakers and volunteers, Convenor’s table and Premium ticket buyers, and donors.

Special discounts are offered for ACE conference registrants.

Hard costs of approximately $80 per person overall need to be covered, so please consider buying a Convenor’s table or a Premium ticket, donating tickets or making a separate donation to keep events accessible and Australian Dialogues independent, expanding and sustainable.

A small number of complimentary tickets are available for those who post a short (20-60 seconds) selfie video to social media on why they are interested in this topic, event or Australian Dialogues generally, and email the link/s to info@brisbanedialogues.org.

Get your tickets now and escape the small screen for a different and better night out!