Chris Sidoti to speak on threats to democracy in Murwillumbah

FORMER human rights commissioner Chris Sidoti will speak at Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah this month, turning the spotlight on the growing pressures facing Australia’s democratic system.

The event will be held on Thursday May 21, with a talk and Q and A session examining how small, incremental changes to laws can reshape freedoms such as speech, protest and government accountability.

Sidoti, who also served as president of the Australian Law Reform Commission, is expected to draw on decades of experience to outline what he sees as the weak points in Australia’s parliamentary democracy and the forces that can erode it over time.

The session, titled From little things: Incremental changes that erode democracy – should we be worried, and why?, will explore how recent legislative changes in areas such as hate speech and environmental protest have sparked debate about the balance between public order and civil liberties.

Organisers say the discussion will look at how such laws, once embedded, can be difficult to reverse and may set the groundwork for further restrictions, placing greater importance on scrutiny from the media, the courts and the broader community.

Sidoti is also expected to address the role of civil society in holding governments to account, arguing that democratic systems ultimately rely on public engagement and vigilance to remain strong.

The evening will run from 7pm to 8.30pm, with doors opening at 5pm and food and refreshments available beforehand.

A performance by local choir Tribembah, conducted by musician Antonia Breen, will open the event.

Tickets are available through Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/chris-sidoti

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