What with robots, computers, and all the other “help” we’re creating, not to mention jobs going offshore and/or “cheap labor” coming in from offshore, not to mention whole industries (manufacturing, mining) imploding, it looks as if it won’t be long before a goodly portion of the jobs will have disappeared. When three-quarters of working people can’t find a job in countries like Australia, surely we can’t rely on the old solutions of throwing them (us) a little dole money and calling them (us) bludgers (or leaners, if we’re being polite). Is it even possible to restructure the economy so that people can live well without working (or inherited wealth)? What would that look like? How would we get there?

People have great ideas all the time- how to help those in need, starting with providing water where there is none, sanitary and hygiene products where they are lacking, food and shelter to those without… but do politicians ever change? We keep electing and fostering a system where the greediest are given the role of decision makers… why is that?

I am very interested in working withholder people who are interested in planning for their end of life decision making and this is the BIG issue that keeps being discussed.

I know this makes me a terrible person, but our art and literature festivals seem to increasingly skew towards the big (depressing, seemingly insoluble, overwhelming) issues. It must reflect a need, but I feel there also needs to be more space for play, joy, spectacle, experimentation, awe, hope.

I can’t bear meditation – am I the only one? It’s such a buzz-concept at the moment; others must be wondering too.

All you ever hear is that something is being tested… it seems that there is more money to be made in ‘support’ medicines

There are less people in poverty now than ever before in history, however the gap in between those at the top and those at the bottom continues to grow. We are all citizens of the globe, so what should we be aiming for, to ensure equity between us all?

It matters to me because the current system of 4 year ‘political power’ doesn’t allow for LONG TERM planning for the community.

How is it that humans can experience such strong, conflicting, emotions at once? Does everyone experience this? Is it possible to pay attention to just one?

Are we doing so much damage to ourselves and others that a forced expiry date may be a good thing? Are we mature enough to put a doctored nuclear holocaust or global species-wide euthanasia to a vote, or simply discuss?

I believe that we are moving toward a world where altruism is not just a nicety, but a necessity. I’m interested to know what it is that makes people want to help. Is it a case of not knowing that you’re helping? Or is it a more conscious act?