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While Australia has a reputation for a larrikin spirit of rebellion, there are core beliefs underpinning Australian society about the institutions we can trust, and what they stand for. We are, by and large, a relatively centrist, conformist society. However, in this particular stage of capitalism, where money trumps most societal values, are the structures we’ve adhered to still serving us? Are Australia’s public institutions even worth salvaging or should we start from scratch?With countless books, articles, essays and speeches between them, challenging our long-held ideas about religion, public education, the media, politics and more, expect fierce debate, dissent and discussion as Bob Carr, Jane Caro, Waleed Aly and Amy Remeikis share the stage in a powerful meeting of the minds.
KEY INFO
Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Time: 2:00-3:00pm
Venue: Tibbi Whalan Hall
Tickets & More Info: https://www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/events/in-institutions-we-trust
Bob Carr was Premier of New South Wales from 1995 to 2005. He is the author of Thoughtlines, My Reading Life, Diary of a Foreign Minister, his political memoir Run for Your Life and Bring Back Yesterday.
Jane Caro AM is a Walkley award winning columnist, author, novelist and social commentator who occasionally appears on TV. She's written 14 books and one long form essay 'Rich Kid, Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education'. Her two latest novels, The Mother and Lyrebird, are best sellers.
Waleed Aly is an Australian television presenter, journalist, academic, and lawyer. He was a co-host of Network 10's news and current affairs television program The Project.
Amy Remeikis is a journalist, author, political commentator and Australia's best known live political blogger. She regularly appears across Australian media and is the author of On Reckoning, Screw Nice and Where It All Went Wrong.
This event is part of the 2026 Blue Mountains Writers Festival, head to bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au for more information.
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Event venue
81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, 81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, Katoomba
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