Name
Finding and interrogating the purpose of the university
Date & Time
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location Name
Ballroom
Description
Across much of the world, universities are grappling with declining public trust and questions about the nature and legitimacy of their purpose. What should the purpose of the university be? What can and should universities be doing for the community? Why does that matter? What are the ways in which universities have fallen short of that purpose? And how can universities right the course again to regain public trust?
Speakers
Dr Richard Denniss, Co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute
Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service
Julie Hare, Former Education Editor, The Australian Financial Review
Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University
Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service
Julie Hare, Former Education Editor, The Australian Financial Review
Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University
