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FASS Public Lecture Series

Lecture Podcasts

Introduction – Prof. Janet Chan and Cartoonist Bruce Petty
Lecture – Prof. Michael Pusey
Q & A –Prof. Michael Pusey

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UNSW is pleased to announce the launch of So, what? Public Lectures in contemporary humanities and social sciences

This progressive new public lecture series showcases the work of leading UNSW researchers and research collaborators. The series aims to challenge and inform public debate and understanding by pushing the boundaries of academic discourse.

The lectures are open and free to the public, but do require an RSVP as numbers are limited.

Third lecture presented by Professor Michael Pusey
New Prospects for Nation Building?

Assoc. Dean (Research) Janet Chan, Prof. Michael Pusey
and cartoonist Bruce Petty.

26th June 2008

Has economic ‘reform’ run its course? What potential remains for constructive nation building? Contrary to expectations Canberra emerges from twenty years of free market ‘economic rationalism’ with disciplined government, ample revenues, an effective regulative apparatus and — perhaps — the capacity for government to steer the economy towards a brighter future. For a quarter of a century neo-liberal politics has made the people serve the economy. Can we recover the political capacity, the clear-sightedness, and the will to again make the economy serve the people? We face three crucial challenges. We must deal with climate change, re-build our rotting infrastructure and fix federal state relations. Are we up to it? Can our history of nation-building come to the rescue of our future?

Photos: Prudence Upton Photography

Professor Michael Pusey

After completing his doctoral studies in sociology at Harvard University Michael worked with the Schools Commission and at the Australian National University. Over the last thirty years at UNSW he has taught on social theory, the media and the public sphere, economic ideas, and, most recently on quality of life in Australia. Michael is a Professor of Sociology at UNSW and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. His writings and media commentary on economic reform and on the changing Australian middle class are extensive, including two highly influential and prize winning books, Economic Rationalism in Canberra and The Experience of Middle Class Australia. From 1995 to 2002 Michael was the Director of the Middle Australia Project. Michael is currently working with Paul Jones on an Australian Research Council funded study of political communication and media regulation in Australia.

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http://www.transport.unsw.edu.au/

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