Freedom of speech and expression are vital to democracy, yet are under increasing threat. Whether it's silencing dissent, punishing creative voices, deplatforming, or cracking down on demonstrations and university protests, we are witnessing a disturbing trend of control and censorship. Join us for a thought-provoking evening as Greg Barns examines the broader implications of these actions and what they mean for democracy and justice in Australia today. With the Government’s misinformation bill and anti doxxing legislation currently before our parliament, this is an important discussion.
Greg Barns SC is a barrister, author, and political commentator. He is an advisor to Julian Assange and WikiLeaks and has been an outspoken critic of the war in Gaza. Greg practices in the areas of criminal law, administrative law, and human rights. He is a former President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance. He has published a number of books, the most recent of which is ‘The Rise of the Right: Australia’s war on liberal values’ (Hardie Grant Publishing 2019).
Note: our dinner this year returns to William Angliss Restaurant, 550 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
DINNER ATTENDANCE:
Cost: $70 members / $85 for non-members / $100 to support the Australian Fabians with a Solidarity Ticket
Tickets need to be booked by Sunday 10th November.
Book your dinner tickets via Trybooking here. If you are not yet a Fabians member, why not take the opportunity to join ($15 first year special for new members) and purchase your ticket at members price.
Drinks: Each table will be provided with a complimentary bottle of white and red to share. The bar will also be open for guests to buy additional drinks of their own should they wish.
Guests arrive from 6.00pm, canapés from 6.30pm, two-course meal beginning 7.00pm. Speaker to be introduced 8:00pm.
This year there is no provision for Zoom attendance