Public Forum, jointly sponsored by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Centre for Advanced Journalism at the University of Melbourne.

Tuesday 30 March, 12:30–2:00pm; Basement Theatre, Spot Building, University of Melbourne

Transforming Data into Policy: What can we learn from climate change policy making in Australia so far?

Synopsis

Climate change presents nations worldwide with complex and challenging policy dilemmas. The collection and careful analysis of relevant quantitative data is a crucial component of effective policy responses. This data enters a public policy-making process in which many players are employed to promote sectional interests, and in which the media, politicians, business, and an increasingly aware general public all actively participate.

This forum seeks to explore how well our public policy making processes have served Australia's national interests in developing its response to climate change, including the development of support policies for trade exposed industries and for new technologies.

A distinguished group of Forum panelists will make short presentations from economic, political, media and business perspectives, and there will be ample time for audience questions and free ranging debate of the issues raised.

This forum will be moderated by Michael Gawenda, immediate past Editor of The Age (1997–2004) and now inaugural Director of the University of Melbourne Centre for Advanced Journalism.

Panelists include:

• Ross Garnaut (Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, The University of Melbourne; Distinguished Professor, The Australian National University and author of Garnaut Climate Change Review).
• Greg Combet AM, MP (Federal Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change)
• Paul Kelly (Editor-in-Chief (1991–1996) and now Editor-at-Large of The Australian)
• Rod Sims (Director, Port Jackson Partners Limited)

You must register by Friday 26 March to attend.
Please see http://www.ms.unimelb.edu.au/climatechangeforum/register.php
Interested members of the public are very welcome.