In the 1930s, British Philosopher Bertrand Russel said, that 'the whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.' This phrase still applies to so much to our world today. As Michaell explains, If you want to convince people of your idea or fight for a cause you believe in, you will need to hold your ground and fight for your cause with courage and conviction.

In the 1930s, British Philosopher Bertrand Russel said, that 'the whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.' This phrase still applies to so much to our world today. As Michaell explains, If you want to convince people of your idea or fight for a cause you believe in, you will need to hold your ground and fight for your cause with courage and conviction.

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 and has worked with a variety of non-profit organisations.

Produced for community radio stations across Australia by the Community Radio Network.

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 and has worked with a variety of non-profit organisations.
Produced for community radio stations across Australia by the Community Radio Network.

Weekly Australian perspectives for a greater society

The Five Minute Advocate Podcast

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 and has worked with a variety of non-profit organisations.

Michael Walker has over 20 years in experience in advocacy having spent most of that time with SDA Trade Union, is Co-chair of the Sydney Alliance Council and a sessional lecturer at Australian Catholic University.

Produced for community radio stations across Australia by the Community Radio Network.

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 and has worked with a variety of non-profit organisations.
Michael Walker has over 20 years in experience in advocacy having spent most of that time with SDA Trade Union, is Co-chair of the Sydney Alliance Council and a sessional lecturer at Australian Catholic University.
Produced for community radio stations across Australia by the Community Radio Network.

The Five Minute Advocate

Doubt & Conviction - with Michael Walker

This week on The Five Minute Advocate Eva Cox shares her thoughts on the Productivity Commission’s latest inquiry report on the future of Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system. Whilst there are several recommendations and findings outlined in the report that Eva agrees with, she does express her concern as to the lack of action recommended to reduce the privatisation of the sector as well as the continued reference to the sector as a “market” which she argues again underpins the need for the government to shift its perception of the ECEC from an avenue for profit but as part of community services. Now that the report is to hand, Eva implores the government to enact real change – we have the pathway, it’s time to follow it. 

This week on The Five Minute Advocate Eva Cox shares her thoughts on the Productivity Commission’s latest inquiry report on the future of Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system. Whilst there are several recommendations and findings outlined in the report that Eva agrees with, she does express her concern as to the lack of action recommended to reduce the privatisation of the sector as well as the continued reference to the sector as a “market” which she argues again underpins the need for the government to shift its perception of the ECEC from an avenue for profit but as part of community services. Now that the report is to hand, Eva implores the government to enact real change – we have the pathway, it’s time to follow it.

The Latest Inquiry Report on Early Childcare – With Eva Cox

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken critiques a recent amendment passed by the Albanese government that exempts Border Force officers from workplace laws protecting asylum seekers during boat interceptions. She argues that this dangerous exemption, supported by both major political parties, dismisses concerns from the Human Rights Committee and undermines basic human rights.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken critiques a recent amendment passed by the Albanese government that exempts Border Force officers from workplace laws protecting asylum seekers during boat interceptions. She argues that this dangerous exemption, supported by both major political parties, dismisses concerns from the Human Rights Committee and undermines basic human rights.

The Danger of Border Force Exemptions - With Julie Macken

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker explores the concept of negativity bias and argues that the media’s exploitation of this bias has led to an overemphasis on negative news which has in turn skewed worldviews, our perceptions of other societal challenges and thus our active citizenship.  Michael does introduce two initiatives aimed at countering negativity bias: Amplify, which seeks to provide constructive political discourse, and The Australian Peace and Security Forum, which focuses on envisioning and discussing a peaceful and secure future, rather than just avoiding war. Michael argues that our collective health is being undermined by our negativity bias and urges us to be more intentional about the information we consume and the real world challenges we tackle. 

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker explores the concept of negativity bias and argues that the media’s exploitation of this bias has led to an overemphasis on negative news which has in turn skewed worldviews, our perceptions of other societal challenges and thus our active citizenship.  Michael does introduce two initiatives aimed at countering negativity bias: <a href="http://www.amplifyaus.org/">Amplify</a>, which seeks to provide constructive political discourse, and <a href="http://www.austpeaceandsecurityforum.org.au/">The Australian Peace and Security Forum</a>, which focuses on envisioning and discussing a peaceful and secure future, rather than just avoiding war. Michael argues that our collective health is being undermined by our negativity bias and urges us to be more intentional about the information we consume and the real world challenges we tackle.

Doubt & Conviction - with Michael Walker

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