8th SZCC Oration with Jon Faine AM: Can Democracy Survive Social Media?

Are we trending towards troubling? Will social media shape or shatter democracy?

Join us for a thought-provoking evening at the 8th Sir Zelman Cowen Centre Oration, featuring the acclaimed journalist, lawyer, and broadcaster, Jon Faine AM. On Thursday 10 October 2024, Mr. Faine will dive into the crucial question: "Can democracy survive social media?"

In an era where our digital interactions often substitute for meaningful civic engagement, Mr. Faine will explore whether social media is strengthening or undermining the foundations of democracy. As part of the Centre’s commitment to advancing fairness, equity, and inclusion, this oration serves as a vital platform for public discourse on the challenges and opportunities within our democratic framework.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a leading voice on the intersection of social media and democracy, and to gain insights into how we can navigate these turbulent waters.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday 10 October, 2024
• Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
• Location: Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, 295 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

About the Speaker:

Jon Faine AM is a Vice Chancellor's Fellow at the University of Melbourne for 2022-2024, attached to The Melbourne Law School but with a roving commission across the entire university.

Until October 2019 Jon Faine was the host of the agenda-setting morning broadcast for ABC Radio in Melbourne for over twenty years. Before joining the ABC in 1989 to host ‘The Law Report’ on Radio National, Jon had practised law for seven years in both commercial litigation and as a legal aid/human rights advocate. Countless conference presentations, panel moderations, MC duties, guest lectures and public events complement his legal and media career.

Add to that a best selling travel book, several oral history publications, multiple opinion and commentary pieces for major newspapers, regular TV appearances and guest radio spots, as well as being script advisor for several films completes his diverse career.

For over thirty years, Jon has been in demand for conference keynote speeches, presentations, facilitation, and panel moderation. Specialising in complex matters of public policy, strategy, legal issues, technological challenge or cultural clashes, his work has covered every imaginable field.

He has also released a book "Apollo & Thelma" on 1 April 2022. It tells the tall but true tale of The Mighty Apollo, legendary strongman and circus performer, 'the strongest man on earth', 'Champion of Champions' and a legendary show business figure. Apollo and his then underage sons inherited a remote outback pub from his sister, Thelma, who died suddenly in 1981. Thelma had been the solo publican at Top Springs in the NT for more than twenty years, earning a reputation as a formidable outback figure. Jon was the families lawyer, and tells the remarkable tale of these two characters and their extraordinary lives. Along the way, we re-visit the struggle for indigenous land rights and the Gurindji walk-off as well as the role of iconic yarn-spinner Frank Hardy.

Host or Publisher Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, Victoria University