Reclaiming Democracy Together
National Launch - 9 May 2026 | Melbourne Town Hall
A seven-year initative to rethink and renew democractic life.
A Conversation at the Crossroads Initiative
Supported by: IPAN, PEN Melbourne, NoAUKUSCoalition
Every so often, citizens are summoned to rethink the foundations of their common life. This is such a moment.
Democracy is in trouble. Not just in one country, not only in one region. 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. Four have already confirmed their participation:
Francesa Albanese
International lawyer and human rights expert, currently serving as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
A global voice for international law and accountability, working at the frontlines of one of the world’s most contested humanitarian crises.
Francesca will be joining us online
Yanis Varoufakis
Former Finance Minister of Greece.
Author and international commentator.
Leading voice in contemporary democratic reform movements in Europe.
Yanis will be joining us online
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).
John Keane
Internationally renowned public intellectual, political thinker and author of The Life and Death of Democracy and many other influential works on democracy.
Marcia Langton
Anthropologist, activist, and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights.
Prominent public intellectual on Indigenous policy, culture, and history.
Melbourne Laureate Professor and Officer of the Order of Australia.
Additional guests will be announced shortly.
Playing for us will be the Tarab Ensemble made up of accomplished musicians from Syria, Australia, Japan, Palestine, Iran and Egypt. Drawing inspiration from the captivating traditions of classical Arabic music, they blend Arabic instruments such as the oud (lute) and nay with western instruments such as saxophone, flute and double bass, the result is hypnotic and blissful. As if this was not enough, the music will be accompanied by the rich voices of the legendary Victorian Trade Union Choir.
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.
A note on accessibility: The town hall has confirmed that the ground floor of the Main Hall is accessible via wheelchair. Guests requiring an accessible entrance will be directed through the side doors from Swanston Street (rather than using the Main Hall stairs, which are adjacent), and will gain access to the Main Hall via a lift from the ground floor. The floorplan can accommodate wheelchair access, however, we request you contact us via email (contact@crossroadsconversation.com.au) so we can ensure sufficient spacing is allocated, for you and any companions. Accessible amenities are located on the ground floor and third floor and are accessible via a lift.
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 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”.