Far-right populism has taken Australia by storm—and everyday people are paying the price. Join Professor Melinda Cooper and Rebecca Vassarotti for a discussion about what's causing it.

Far-right populism has taken Australia by storm—and everyday people are paying the price.

From centrist calls for "better governance" to the Liberal Party leaning into xenophobic rhetoric, competing solutions are everywhere. But what’s actually driving this shift?

In this, our second instalment of Politics in Dissent, we will be joined by Professor Melinda Cooper from the Australian National University to unpack the real, measured and studied roots of right-wing populism in deeply divided countries—and ma-out exactly what the left can learn from it

As usual, there is no better space for this topical political discussion than Dissent Bar & Cafe, a fierce local small business that refuses to compromise on its community values. They have proven that commerce can align with solidarity, making them the perfect venue for us to gather.

Event Details

Date & Time

Aug 12th, 2026 06:30 PM through to
Aug 12th, 2026 08:30 PM

Location

181 City Walk
Dissent Cafe and Bar
CANBERRA Australian Capital Territory 2601

Contact

Phone:
0423 733 831
Email:
jordan.maloney@act.greens.org.au
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