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: Pearls and Irritations, Independant and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN), The Information Rights Project, Turkish Heritage Society Australia, PEN Melbourne, NoAUKUSCoalition, PAX Christi VIC,Burning Platforms Podcast by Per Capita and Webtrade Marketing Pty Ltd.
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 discussion paper that expands upon the project can be read here: Reclaiming Democracy Together: A seven-year initiative to renew governance and citizenship for a shared, liveable future.
Distinguished Speakers
Francesa Albanese
International lawyer and human rights expert, currently serving as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Professor Albanese has built a distinguished career at the forefront of international law, refugee protection, and global justice. Her work spans decades of engagement with the legal and moral responsibilities of states, and the protection of civilian populations in times of conflict. Widely respected for her independence and clarity of voice, she brings a deep understanding of how international institutions respond to crises and how legal norms shape political accountability.
She will share her insights on how human rights violations and the disregard of international law call into question the very commitment to democracy.
Francesca will be joining us online
Professor
Mark Rose
Indigenous leader, educator, and advocate for cultural knowledge and institutional change, Professor Mark Rose is a Gunditjmara man from Western Victoria whose career spans decades of leadership across education, policy, and community engagement at state, national, and international levels.
As Deputy Vice Chancellor, Indigenous at Deakin University, he has led the development and implementation of the University’s Indigenous Strategy and guided efforts to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges across curriculum, leadership, and community life. Through his work, Professor Rose has helped shape meaningful conversations about history, responsibility, and recognition, and continues to champion education as a powerful pathway for empowerment, understanding, and shared progress.
Natalie Kyriacou OAM
Environmentalist, author, social entrepreneur, and Recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, Natalie Kyriacou is one of Australia’s most dynamic advocates for the connection between environmental stewardship and civic responsibility.
As founder of My Green World, she has inspired thousands of young people to engage with nature, climate action, and democratic participation. Her work has been recognised nationally and internationally for its creativity, energy, and commitment to empowering communities to shape a more sustainable future.
She will reflect on how environmental stewardship, civic participation, and intergenerational responsibility are essential to sustaining democratic societies.
Wendy Brown
Political theorist and public intellectual, Professor Wendy Brown is one of the most influential thinkers on democracy and political power in the contemporary world. Her scholarship has reshaped global debates about the future of democratic governance, economic inequality, and the meaning of citizenship. Her books, translated into more than twenty languages, are widely studied for their depth, originality, and capacity to illuminate the forces transforming modern political life. Her most recent works include In the Ruins of Neoliberalism: The Rise of Anti-Democratic Politics in the West (2019) and Nihilistic Times: Thinking with Max Weber (2023).
She will explore how economic inequality, political power, and social change are reshaping the foundations of democratic life.
Wendy will be joining us online.
Gillian Triggs
Distinguished international lawyer and former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Professor Gillian Triggs has played a leading role in shaping human rights law and public policy both in Australia and internationally. Her career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and the protection of vulnerable communities. Through her leadership in national and global institutions, she has helped strengthen the legal frameworks that underpin democratic societies.
She will examine the role of law and public institutions in safeguarding rights, protecting vulnerable communities, and upholding the rule of law in democratic life.
John Keane
Internationally renowned public intellectual, political thinker and author of The Life and Death of Democracy and many other influential works on democracy.
Professor John Keane has devoted his career to understanding how democratic systems evolve, endure, and sometimes falter. A pioneer in the study of modern democracy, his work has influenced scholars, policymakers, and civic leaders across the world. He is widely recognised for his ability to translate complex ideas into accessible insights about the institutions and practices that sustain democratic societies.
He will consider how democratic institutions can adapt, renew themselves, and remain resilient in the face of growing public distrust and global uncertainty.
Playing for us will be the Tarab Ensemblemade 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”.