Labor in power: Ambition or predictability?

Dangerous Dinner

Hosted by Prof Barbara van Ernst AM, Dr Ingmar Wahlqvist & Deborah Remfry

Australia’s election has delivered a political earthquake: Labor, led by Anthony Albanese, has not just survived but surged, winning a commanding majority and leaving the opposition in disarray. With this result, with the nation watching, what comes next? If you were Prime Minister, would you stick to your campaign promises and maintain predictability, or seize this moment to push bold, risky but much-needed reforms that tackle Australia’s toughest challenges, from the cost-of-living crisis to productivity stagnation and global uncertainty? Alternatively, would you play the long game: consolidate trust now, build the case for bigger reforms, and unleash them in a future term?

 Is this the moment to rewrite the rules, or is caution the wiser path? Importantly, which is better for the country? 

Of course, in our parliamentary system, no leader (or party) governs alone. Every major decision will still demand negotiation, compromise, and working with the Senate to turn ideas into action. Should the word ‘mandate’ be banished from the political lexicon? 

At our next Dangerous Dinner, we’ll put ourselves in the hot seat: What would you do if you were Prime Minister? Is it time for ambition or cautious predictability? What does real leadership look like when power is never absolute? And what risks, political, social, or economic, are truly worth taking for the good of the nation?

Bring your sharpest questions, your boldest ideas and your appetite for debate. 

Dangerous Dinners give you the opportunity to fearlessly discuss contemporary, challenging and interesting ideas, themes and points of view.

In a relaxed, informal dining environment, we draw on the diverse expertise of our members, sharing their ideas and experiences on complex or controversial topics; to learn from others, challenge assumptions, spark new ideas or point the way for potential actions.

Dangerous because the topics may be difficult to discuss, ask the silent questions, challenge thinking, unpack pressing issues, test emerging trends. Safe because we respect others’ views, it is polite not offensive, under Chatham House rule and listening with the intent to learn.

On a regular basis, you will be able to join your fellow Melbourne Forum members for a robust discussion on a range of themes in dynamic company and over a light meal. The focus is on ‘food for thought’ with shared conversations and shared platters as part of the collegiality.