Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre
Democracy in the Age of Doubt: Strengthening the Collective Spirit of a Free Nation
As the world becomes more polarised, democracies are struggling to maintain the values that have made them strongholds of fairness and equality. More than ever, Australia must reassess the foundations it stands on.
Join leading Indigenous and human rights advocate, Thomas Mayo, as he explores the steps we must take to prepare for the storms that threaten our island nation.
As apartheid in South Africa came to an end in 1994 and Nelson Mandela’s vision of equality captured the world’s attention, Mayo began his working life as a wharfie - later rising to become one of Australia’s most prominent voices for justice and equality.
Mayo argues Australians have a choice to address historic and contemporary threats, and defend the hard-fought gains and freedoms of modern democratic life.
This lecture is presented as part of the Nelson Mandela Lecture series, which promotes the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, and the importance of truth and reconciliation. Following the lecture, Thomas will be in conversation with acclaimed Australian journalist and media freedom advocate, Peter Greste.
hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au
Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre
Democracy in the Age of Doubt: Strengthening the Collective Spirit of a Free Nation
As the world becomes more polarised, democracies are struggling to maintain the values that have made them strongholds of fairness and equality. More than ever, Australia must reassess the foundations it stands on.
Join leading Indigenous and human rights advocate, Thomas Mayo, as he explores the steps we must take to prepare for the storms that threaten our island nation.
As apartheid in South Africa came to an end in 1994 and Nelson Mandela’s vision of equality captured the world’s attention, Mayo began his working life as a wharfie - later rising to become one of Australia’s most prominent voices for justice and equality.
Mayo argues Australians have a choice to address historic and contemporary threats, and defend the hard-fought gains and freedoms of modern democratic life.
This lecture is presented as part of the Nelson Mandela Lecture series, which promotes the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, and the importance of truth and reconciliation. Following the lecture, Thomas will be in conversation with acclaimed Australian journalist and media freedom advocate, Peter Greste.
hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au
