Rusbridger’s lecture, ‘Liberty and safety: where now for freedom?’, will explore the topic of press freedom, currently particularly pertinent to Australia with new anti-terror laws introduced by the Federal Government potentially resulting in journalists being jailed for up to 10 years for reporting on ASIO special intelligence operations.
Rusbridger will discuss the current nature of press freedom, from the Guardian’s decision to publish documents leaked by Edward Snowden to the issues of wire-tapping, surveillance, data retention, and the possible prosecution of journalists under security laws. He will address the vital questions about public interest, consent, the roles of parliaments, legality, privacy, oversight, and the integrity of the web itself.
The lecture, which marks Guardian Australia’s first Guardian Live event, will be held in association with Carriageworks, the largest and most significant contemporary multi-arts centre of its kind in Australia, on December 9. It will feature an introduction by Guardian Australia reporter and multiple Walkley Award winner, David Marr.
Guardian Live is a programme of topical events designed to bring journalism to life for Guardian Australia readers. Through discussions, debates, interviews, speeches, seminars and festivals, readers are given an opportunity to interact with the speakers and contribute to the public discourse on a wide range of topics that impact the world around them.
Ian McClelland, managing director, Guardian Australia, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching Guardian Live with a very special and timely lecture delivered by Alan Rusbridger at Carriageworks. Guardian Live gives our readers the chance to get closer to the big stories and experiences the Guardian has brought to life. Some of our most engaged readers hail from Australia and this is a significant step for us on our journey to develop a global community, connecting readers around the world to the conversations that matter, and introducing them to fellow readers who share our values of press freedom and open journalism.”
