Reclaiming Democracy Together
National Launch - 9 May 2026 | Melbourne Town Hall
A seven-year initative to rethink and renew democractic life.
Every so often, citizens are summoned to rethink the foundations of their common life.
This is such a moment.
Across the Western world, Australia included, democracy is faltering. Institutions are strained. Trust is eroding. Public discourse is coarsening. Yet Australia is well placed to meet this moment not as spectator, but as participant in democratic renewal.
On 9 May 2026, we gather to launch Reclaiming Democracy Together — an ambitious seven-year project. The aim: to rethink and revitalise democratic life in Australia, and beyond
This launch marks the beginning of that long-term work.
Why 9 May Matters
On the afternoon of 9 May 1901, the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opened the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia at Melbourne’s Exhibition Building. More than 12,000 guests attended the ceremony — a defining moment in the birth of a democratic nation.
On the 125th anniversary of that historic occasion, it is time to take stock, assess Australia's current predicament, place it in the deeply troubling global context, and reimagine and plan for a promising future.
What has become of that democratic promise?
What must now be renewed?
What future do we wish to shape?
In 1901, Australians gathered to inaugurate a nation.
In 2026, we gather to renew it.
The Project
Reclaiming Democracy Together is a seven-year national and international initiative. It will involve:
Public forums and civic dialogues
Research and discussion papers
Collaboration with public intellectuals, think-tanks and civil society organisations in Australia, and beyond
A growing network of engaged citizens committed to democratic renewal
A detailed discussion paper will be available shortly, with an executive summary published on our website.
Distinguished Speakers
Several leading contributors to public life have been invited to address the launch. Three have already confirmed their participation:
Gillian Triggs
Former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Professor of International Law (University of Sydney).
Former Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at UNHCR (2019–2023).
Yanis Varoufakis
Former Finance Minister of Greece.
Author and international commentator.
Leading voice in contemporary democratic reform movements in Europe.
John Keane
Professor of Politics (University of Sydney).
Internationally renowned political theorist and author of influential works on democracy.
Additional guests will be announced shortly.
Event Details
Saturday 9 May 2026
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Melbourne Town Hall
The event will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall, a heritage building of unique historical significance.
Attendance
We expect and strongly encourage Victorians to attend in person. Many have already indicated they are coming from all corners of the State and other parts of the country. We are also beginning to hear of people who will travel from other countries.
A limited online option may be considered should there be a strong demand from those living outside Victoria. Those filling in the online interest form will be notified should streaming become available.
A Civic Occasion
This will be no ordinary public event.
It will be a moment of reflection, engagement and hope.
In years to come people will be able to say with pride "I was there”.