Events

Later this year, Australians will vote in a referendum to decide whether to amend the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The amendment would create a ‘Voice’ with authority to make ‘representations’ to the Parliament or Executive government on ‘matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’.

One of the persistent questions that has arisen in public debate is what role courts might play if the referendum is passed and a Voice is established. The third Conversation in the series organised by the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies at Melbourne Law School will consider the potential role of the courts in relation to The Voice, seeking to place the courts’ role in broader constitutional, legal and political context. Matters to be considered include the potential role of the courts in relation to the The Voice itself, and in relation to representations made by The Voice to Parliament and government, and the potential for litigation.

Like other events in the Conversationsseries, the aim of this event is to draw on legal and other professional expertise to inform Australians about the proposal on which all of us will vote towards the end of the year. To this end, we will be joined by four leading experts in constitutional law, administrative law and Indigenous legal matters, drawn from practice and the academy:

• Professor Cheryl Saunders AO, Melbourne Law School
• Elizabeth Bennett SC, List G Barristers, Victorian Bar
• Taryn Lee, General Manager, Social Impact and Policy, Collingwood Football Club
• Professor Jason Varuhas, Melbourne Law School

Melbourne Connect presents The Future of – a new event series that unites innovators from diverse disciplines to address complex societal issues and jointly imagine what the future will look like, driving new breakthroughs.

The inaugural showcase The Future of Brain Health brings together a panel of distinguished University academics from Biomedicine, Engineering, and Law, alongside visionary entrepreneurs, clinicians and policymakers for a dynamic and engaging discussion filled with insightful conversations and discoveries. This unique event aims to tackle the most pressing health challenges pertaining to brain function, cognitive neuroscience, and neurological devices, as well as the social and ethical considerations that surround them.

We invite you to contribute your insights, connect with leading voices and explore the future state of both invasive and non-invasive techniques for dynamically diagnosing and treating brain dysfunctions.

The Future of Brain Health is where pioneering research and commercialisation efforts converge to shape the landscape of brain health. Gain invaluable insights into cutting-edge technologies, revolutionary treatments, and ground-breaking discoveries that have the potential to transform the lives of millions worldwide and pave the way for transformative advancements in brain health, offering hope for a brighter future.

This captivating discussion is open to anyone with an interest in the topic and a desire to shape the vision of the future. Come and imagine with us.

Event times:

• 4.30pm: Doors Open
• 5.00pm: Event Starts