Why do we make irrational political decisions? Can our stone-age brains process democracy in the digital age?

In an era overshadowed by income inequality, environmental catastrophes, terrorism, and the decline of democracy, the political decision-making process has never been more important. In fact, our survival may depend on it.

Together with host Sally Warhaft, Canadian writer, podcaster and political commentator David Moscrop explains what’s going wrong in today’s political landscape and why sound political decision making has never been more important.

In partnership with The Wheeler Centre.

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

Why do we make irrational political decisions? Can our stone-age brains process democracy in the digital age?
In an era overshadowed by income inequality, environmental catastrophes, terrorism, and the decline of democracy, the political decision-making process has never been more important. In fact, our survival may depend on it.
Together with host Sally Warhaft, Canadian writer, podcaster and political commentator David Moscrop explains what&rsquo;s going wrong in today&rsquo;s political landscape and why sound political decision making has never been more important.
In partnership with The Wheeler Centre.
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

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Melbourne Writers Festival

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

David Moscrop: Too Dumb for Democracy?

In this panel, Antoun Issa (Deepcut News), Antoinette Lattouf (Ette Media) and Amy Remeikis (The Australia Institute) and host Osman Faruqi (Lamestream) discuss the rise of independent media in an era of mainstream media consolidation and declining public trust.

Drawing on their own experiences, they consider the possibilities and challenges of alternative platforms such as podcasts, social media, newsletters and reader-supported publications, and the benefits a greater plurality of independent voices can offer.

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

In this panel, Antoun Issa (Deepcut News), Antoinette Lattouf (Ette Media) and Amy Remeikis (The Australia Institute) and host Osman Faruqi (Lamestream) discuss the rise of independent media in an era of mainstream media consolidation and declining public trust.
Drawing on their own experiences, they consider the possibilities and challenges of alternative platforms such as podcasts, social media, newsletters and reader-supported publications, and the benefits a greater plurality of independent voices can offer.
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

Breaking News: The Rise of Independent Media

In this illuminating discussion, key figures involved in the creation of the Victorian Treaty – including 2023-26 Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly Ngarra Murray, and CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, member of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and Treaty Co-Convenor Nerita Waight – discuss this landmark event in our nation’s history.
 
A document, a framework, a promise: the Treaty is an opportunity to come to grips with the history we share – and together create a better and fairer shared future grounded in justice, understanding and unity.
 
Hosted and curated by Daniel James. 

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

In this illuminating discussion, key figures involved in the creation of the Victorian Treaty &ndash; including 2023-26 Co-Chair of the First Peoples&rsquo; Assembly Ngarra Murray, and CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, member of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and Treaty Co-Convenor Nerita Waight &ndash; discuss this landmark event in our nation&rsquo;s history. &nbsp; A document, a framework, a promise: the Treaty is an opportunity to come to grips with the history we share &ndash; and together create a better and fairer shared future grounded in justice, understanding and unity. &nbsp; Hosted and curated by Daniel James.&nbsp;
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

Making the Victorian Treaty

One year on from the Federal Election, four of the country's most incisive political minds take stock. What’s the state of our national political climate and of the major and minor parties? What does the Albanese government stand for? How should we approach our relationship with the USA and other global superpowers? How can we address inequality in Australia?

Expect clear-eyed, frank and informed commentary from Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis, Don Watson and host Barrie Cassidy as they discuss how the political decisions of the past have led us to this current moment.

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

One year on from the Federal Election, four of the country's most incisive political minds take stock. What&rsquo;s the state of our national political climate and of the major and minor parties? What does the Albanese government stand for? How should we approach our relationship with the USA and other global superpowers? How can we address inequality in Australia?
Expect clear-eyed, frank and informed commentary from Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis, Don Watson and host Barrie Cassidy as they discuss how the political decisions of the past have led us to this current moment.
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

David Moscrop: Too Dumb for Democracy?

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