There are about 195 countries in the world and almost 85% claim to be democracies. But democracy is a very loose term and countries claiming to be democratic range from autocracies, dictatorships and true democracies and everything in between.
Our democracy in Australia is similar to some yet vastly different to others. Recent events around the world remind us of how different the democracy experience can be.
How can we do democracy better? Watch video of the event below
You can also watch the video on our YouTube channel
To help us explore this idea in an election year we have a sitting Federal member of the House of Representatives, a hopeful candidate in the upcoming federal election, a local government councillor and the Executive Director of the New Democracy Foundation.
Iain Walker
Iain Walker is Executive Director of the newDemocracy Foundation (nDF) in Australia, a role he has held since 2011.
newDemocracy was founded a decade ago by Luca Belgiorno-Nettis, prominent philanthropist and Managing Director of industrial giant Transfield Holdings. “It’s easy to be critical of current politics” he says. “We need innovate in how we do democracy.”
Iain has led over 20 trial projects at local government and state government level including projects for State Premiers on both sides of politics. The topics have ranged from long-term budgeting for the $4bn City of Melbourne Financial Plan to the potential for a high-level nuclear waste storage facility in South Australia. In the water industry, nDF designed the 2017 Citizens’ Jury process for Yarra Valley Water
Sharon Claydon
Federal Member for Newcastle (Labor); Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Sharon Claydon is a fifth-generation Novocastrian. She was first elected in September 2013, becoming just the sixth Federal Member for Newcastle since Federation in 1901.
Sharon is an Honours graduate in Anthropology and, before entering Parliament, worked in remote Aboriginal communities and the community-based disability services sector. She also served in local government as a Newcastle City Councillor.
Jenny Barrie
Cr Jenny Barrie was re-elected as a Ward 2 Councillor in 2024, after serving as a Liberal Ward 2 Councillor since 2021.Jenny is excited for her new role as Chair, Community and Cultural Committee and Deputy Chair, Strategy and Innovation, and is looking forward to these two leadership roles as part of the team of councillors under new leadership working collaboratively across all aspects of the operations of the City of Newcastle with the Executive Leadership Team and all staff.
Asarri McPhee
Hopeful Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Newcastle in the upcoming election, Asarri has owned a bricklaying business for the past 19 years.
WHEN: Wednesday, 12th March 2025 6.00pm – 7.30pm
WHERE: Souths Merewether, Llewellyn St Merewether
Members entry is complimentary – we request a $10 donation from casual attendees.
Please note that in line with the Registered Clubs Act 1976, Souths Merewether requires visitors who live within 5km of the Club to become members.
Live streaming on Newcastle Institute Facebook page
Please register online as a member or guest.
