Reclaiming Democracy Together | National Launch | 9 May 2026
About
Reclaiming Democracy Together · National Launch
On the afternoon of 9 May 1901, Australia’s first Parliament was opened in Melbourne before 12,000 invited guests — a defining moment in the birth of a democratic nation. On the 125th anniversary of that historic occasion, it is time to take stock, assess Australia's current predicament, place it in the deeply troubling global context, and reimagine and plan for a promising future.
Across the Western world, democratic institutions face deep strain. Public trust is fragile. Civic life is unsettled.On 9 May 2026, Reclaiming Democracy Together is launched — a seven-year national initiative dedicated to rethinking and revitalising democratic life in Australia and beyond. This launch marks the beginning of that long-term work.
Confirmed Distinguished Speakers include:
Gillian Trigg and John Keane will be attending in-person. Yanis Varoufakis will be joining us online.
Additional guests will be announced shortly.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall
This is a Moment to Be Present. This will not be an ordinary public forum. The event will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall, a heritage building of unique historical significance. We expect a great many to attend in person from every corner of Victoria, as well as elsewhere in Australia and beyond.
We strongly encourage in-person attendance. A limited online option may be released later depending on demand — to join the online interest list to be notified should streaming become available, complete this expression of interest from: Register your interest to attend online
It will be an occasion of seriousness, reflection and possibility. In years to come, some may say with pride: “I was there.”
Reclaiming Democracy Together is convened by Conversation at the Crossroads, in partnership with a diverse national and international advisory network.
Conversation at the Crossroads is a civic initiative dedicated to fostering thoughtful public dialogue on the foundational challenges of our time. Through public forums, research and sustained engagement, we seek to create spaces for serious reflection, democratic renewal and collaborative action.
Date
Saturday 9 May 2026 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (UTC+11)Location
Melbourne Town Hall
90/130 Swanston Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000
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