The Five Minute Advocate
The Five Minute Advocate
Australian perspectives on the week's neglected social aspects of life, too often ignored by economics-driven priorities. These undermine our options for good societies, not just growth. Eva Cox is a well-known sociologist and public feminist commentator with a long involvement in advocacy for more civil societies. Julie Macken has a wealth of experience as a journalist for AFR and New Matilda a…Social links:
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The Mirror of Fear - With Michael Walker
Michael Walker examines how fear-driven politics have led powerful nations down self-destructive paths. Drawing on the words of the Roman historian Livy, Walker reflects on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and their human and economic toll, arguing that a desire for security has led to poli…
05:00
War, Power, and No Debate - With Julie Macken (rpt)
In this powerful episode, Julie Macken delivers a scathing critique of global warmongering and questions Australia's undemocratic war powers. She urges listeners to hold their leaders accountable before we're dragged into yet another foreign conflict.
05:00
Reckoning and Resistance - With Julie Macken
This week on The Five Minute Advocate Julie Macken reflects on a week of seismic national revelations — from findings of systemic racism and genocide against First Nations people to questions surrounding the timing and motivations behind Gillian Segal’s controversial antisemitism report. She also w…
05:00
Overtourism - With Michael Walker
In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker unpacks the rising global backlash against overtourism—from Everest traffic jams to angry locals in Europe and Japan. With environmental damage and housing crises mounting, he asks: is it time to rethink how, and where, we travel?
05:00
Extractivism – with Michael Walker (rpt)
With renewable energy surviving Australia’s election, in this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker explores the challenges ahead—including the environmental cost of lithium mining on Indigenous land. Michael also highlights the little-known First Nations Clean Energy Strategy as a rar…
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War, Power, and No Debate - With Julie Macken
In this powerful episode, Julie Macken delivers a scathing critique of global warmongering and questions Australia's undemocratic war powers. She urges listeners to hold their leaders accountable before we're dragged into yet another foreign conflict.
05:00
Mobility Justice - With Michael Walker
Michael Walker explores how Australia's car-dependent suburbs are failing residents—driving up costs, limiting mobility, and eroding health. He makes the case for better public and active transport options that reconnect communities and reduce our reliance on cars.
05:00
King’s Birthday Reflections – Have We Really Progressed? - With Eva Cox
In this episode of A Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox reflects on the significance of the King’s birthday honours — and uses the moment to ask broader questions about the state of the world. Drawing on her own experience as a Jewish refugee born before World War II, Eva examines the erosion of postwar…
05:00
Courage, Cowardice, and Palestine - With Julie Macken
Julie Macken reflects on moral courage in the face of Australia’s muted response to the crisis in Gaza. Drawing on legal commentary and historical parallels, she argues that ignoring international law erodes national trust, damages our global standing, and inflicts deep moral injury. In just five m…
05:00
Extractivism – with Michael Walker
With renewable energy surviving Australia’s election, in this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker explores the challenges ahead—including the environmental cost of lithium mining on Indigenous land. Michael also highlights the little-known First Nations Clean Energy Strategy as a rar…
05:00