Join Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University and Dr Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer of The Australia Institute as they explore why public trust in Australia’s universities is at an all-time low. Once proud institutions of learning and public service, universities have become easy political targets – and in some cases, their own worst enemies. Years of funding shortfalls, casualisation, and creeping corporatisation have left many questioning what our universities stand for and who they serve.

Based on Professor Williams' new Vantage Point essay, Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia's Future, Professor Williams and Dr Denniss will outline the changes needed to revitalise Australian higher education and discuss how to rebuild trust restore universities’ commitment to the public good, and ensure they remain vital to our democracy and national future.

Copies of Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future will also be available for purchase on the night or can be purchased online on The Australia Institute website. 

SPEAKERS:

Professor George Williams AO— Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University

Dr Richard Denniss – co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute