Video footage of the panel

In October 2011 the Asian Australia Studies Research Network (AASRN) hosted a panel about political engagement in Australia drawing from the views of a number of diverse elected representatives and candidates. The video can also be watched here: http://vimeo.com/49092486

Diversity in Politics photoset 10 Nov 2011

Diversity in Politics , a set on Flickr.

Berhan Ahmed on SBS Radio World News Australia

Also as part of the Diversity, Political Participation and Citizenship public panel, Dr Berhan Ahmed was interviewed by SBS World News Australia's Kristina Kukolja. See here.

Don Nakanashi on ABC Radio's Connect Asia

As part of the Diversity, Political Participation and Citizenship public panel, Professor Don Nakanishi was interviewed for ABC Radio's Connect Asia program by Sen Lam. You can find a copy of the podcast here. You'll find Don's interview as '11/11/2011 Part 2' under 'Listen to the Latest Program'.

Thanks

The community panel was a great success. Thanks to the speakers, PJ who did a marvelous job, and everyone who came or supported the event on social media!

Thanks also to everyone who was involved in making it possible especially Amadeo Marquez-Perez, Owen Leong, Lian Low, Kieran Ruffles and Amanda Magnano. Thanks Indi, Tom, Wesa and my bro. Thanks to the whole conference crew who were super helpful. Amongst the organisers I obviously must mention Audrey Yue, Tseen Khoo and David Crouch.

I will post photos soon. There is some video footage in the making as well. I will report about that later.

Diversity in politics reflects the health of our democracy, says Peta-Jane

Peta-Jane has graciously shared some comments about what she hopes to get out of the public panel tomorrow.

"We've become so side-tracked by the quirks of a hung parliament, that encouraging greater diversity in our political process has taken a back seat.”

“I don't just mean in terms of increasing our ethnic diversity, but also gender, sexuality, and representation in age too. Where one in four Australians are born overseas, more than half of our population is female, and the average age is 37, I can understand people who question why our political representatives do not reflect who we are as a nation.”

“At the moment there is so much ‘uncivil’ debate in Australian public life. I think most Australians have a hunger for a kinder, more inclusive society and for forums that allow us to step back and recognise we are part of the same political community. I’m hoping our panel can explore another dimension of how our democracy can be deepened,” she stated.

Dai Le interviewed by SBS's PJ Madam - March 2011

In the lead up to the NSW state election Dai Le was interviewed by SBS's PJ Madam regarding her experiences as a boat person and the Liberal Party's attitude to refugees. See below.