2012 October conference

This was the only L&S conference in 2012 so the demand was high and the quality of the applicants was outstanding.  

As an example of the value alumni place on the Liberty and Society program  we are virtually always able to use an ex L&Sers as a lecturer.  At this conference Associate Professor Jonathan Crowe (who attended an L&S conference in 2001) from the University of Queensland took the group through the political philosophy of liberal thinking.  It is great to know that there are a small but growing number of academics who are interested in promoting classical liberal ideas at their university.

The other lecturers were the economist Professor Geoff Brennan from The Australian National University, Professor Jim Allen from the Law department of the University of Queensland and Professor Jeff Bennett from the ANU who opened the eyes of the group to the realities of current environmental legislation.  Andrew Norton, who is now with The Grattan Institute, spoke at the opening dinner.

Here are some of the general comments about the overall weekend.

‘The Liberty & Society Conference was a really unique opportunity to engage in intellectual, critical and thought-provoking discussions about law, economics and the environment from a classical liberal perspective.   It was truly refreshing to take some time out from the "real world" and engage in stimulating conversation with like-minded people.   I have come away from the conference wishing there were more, and very thankful that I had the opportunity to attend.’ PS

Thank you for including me.  It was a must have experience for anyone seriously pursuing a deeper understanding of the size and scope of government responsibility.’ AR

‘The conference was excellent in generating stimulating and insightful discussion on theories that form the basis of modern-day society. There were numerous opportunities to interact with all members of the conference and overall, the experience was fundamental to furthering my understanding of classical liberalism.’ EC

‘Liberty and Society was a great weekend, and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was excited when my application was accepted, and the conference itself met all of my expectations, and exceeded them in many ways. I got to individually discuss with each lecturer both their subject matter and other subjects I was interested in, something which the small size of the conference enabled. Liberty and Society was extremely well run, and has clearly been developed over a number of years to best meet the needs of students. Equally important was the social side of the conference, which is essential and sets the mood at events involving young people. I had a great time and make some new friends across the Tasman who I will be keeping in touch with. There is certainly nothing like the L&S experience in New Zealand.  Thank you’  NC

"The Liberty and Society Conference was exceptional. As a student of political science, as well as young professional working in public affairs, it was very insightful and stimulating. Thank you for your support, I very much enjoyed meeting bright, engaged and thoughtful Australian and New Zealand youth. Having discussions that we don't usually have the chance to partake in was very worthwhile. As well as the ideas I have come away with, I have made great friends and it's an experience I will always remember. Thank you."  EM

2011 December Conference

32 people were selected to attend the December conference.  We has a special lecturer joining us, Dr David Hart from Liberty Fund Inc. USA.  David is an expert on classical liberal history and thinking and regularly presents lectures at the Institute of Humane Studies Summer Student programs.  We also have Dr Jason Potts taking the economics session, Professor Suri Ratnapala on law and Jessica Brown and Oliver Hartwich present a session on population. 

2011 May Conference

The first Liberty & Society conference of 2011 was held in May. We invited 34 young people from all states and territories apart for Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Our lecturers included first time L&S presenter, Professor Judith Sloan who amongst many other positions is Honorary Professorial Fellow at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research at the University of Melbourne. We are very pleased that we are now able to ask L&S alumni who are now academics to join us as lecturers. Dr Jonathan Crowe and Dr Darryn Jensen who are both from the University of Queensland discussed liberal political philosophy and law. The depth and quality of the CIS staff means that we can also call on staff to lecture. Jessica Brown and Dr Oliver Hartwich handled lively debates on the controversial subject of population growth in Australia.