Speaking of Social Justice

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, host Dr Julie Macken reflects on the past 24 hours and what this means for Australia.

The past few months, weeks, days, the past few hours, we have witnessed a world of chaos, a world of despair, a world of conflict. In Australia, 24 hours ago we were going to bed wondering if we will awaken to a nuclear strike, to Australian troops on the ground, the loss of a civilisation following the threat of a genocide. We were left wondering what do we even do in Australia...

In a week marked by deep global uncertainty, Dr Julie Macken reflects on what it means to speak about social justice when democracy itself feels under strain.

Drawing on recent global reports, this episode explores the erosion of democratic values, the decline of freedoms, and the devastating realities unfolding across regions including Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, and beyond. In what some have described as “a time of monsters,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, powerless, and disconnected.

Julie reminds us that human rights are not conditional, they are inherent. In a world increasingly shaped...

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken explores the growing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and what they reveal about the risks of military alliances. As conflict escalates in the Middle East, Julie asks a difficult question: what happens to smaller countries that host military bases or align themselves closely with global powers?

Drawing on recent events in the Gulf states, she explains how countries that host U.S. military facilities can quickly become targets during conflict — even when they were not consulted about the decision to go to wa...

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we gathered five influential women from diverse backgrounds for a powerful conversation about leadership, justice, and the ways power shapes our world.

Too often, the models of power we inherit are hierarchical, extractive, and patriarchal. But what if power could look different?

In Reimagining Power, our panelists drew on lived experience, leadership, and critical insight to explore how power can be rooted in justice, care, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Together, they challenge traditional assumptions and reflect on how power can be exercised collectively, in ways that strengthen women, communities, an...

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, host Dr Julie Macken turns her attention to International Women’s Day and to a deeper, more uncomfortable question: how do we exercise power?

Ahead of a special panel discussion, Julie reflects on the state of the world for women today. From persistent gender pay gaps to gender-based violence in Australia, and from global scandals of abuse to political leadership that simply replicates old models of dominance, it’s clear that putting women into positions of power hasn’t automatically transformed how power is used.

This conversation asks s...

Dr Michael Walker steps into the host’s chair to unpack why capital gains tax has surged back into national debate and why it matters for every Australian feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.

At the centre of the discussion is the 50% capital gains tax discount, introduced in 1999, and how it has fuelled property speculation, inflated house prices, and pushed home ownership further out of reach. As house prices have soared far beyond wage growth, average earners are increasingly locked into lifelong renting, while rising mortgages and rents drive widespread housing stress.

Drawing on re...

This week on Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken takes on one of the most overused — and often misunderstood — phrases in our public conversation: “social cohesion.”

What does it really mean to “hold together” as a society when people are hurting, divided, and afraid? And is cohesion even the right word, or does it risk glossing over pain, inequality, and real difference?

Julie reflects on how fragile we all remain, no matter how old we get. From playground cruelty to political provocation, from rising Islamophobia and antisemitism to collective grief in places like Bondi and Gaza, th...

Dr Julie Macken looks ahead at the major social justice issues shaping Australia, from offshore detention inquiries and national security investigations to rising political division and community strain.

But beyond the headlines, this is a deeper reflection on something more personal and urgent: our shared humanity.

Julie explores what happens when public debate turns into social fracture, why so many people are emotionally exhausted by the state of the nation, and why caring for one another is not optional work, it’s civic work. Drawing on moments of solidarity seen during past crises, she asks wh...

In the first episode of 2026, Dr Julie Macken returns with a heavy heart and a frank assessment of the year we’ve stepped into. From the December attack at Bondi to the political theatre that followed, Julie speaks to a nation struggling with grief, division, and identity.

With Australia Day around the corner, she asks uncomfortable but necessary questions: What does it mean to be Australian? Who are we when confronted by violence? What values do we actually share, and who gets to decide? Amid bans on language, rising political opportunism, and a world seemingly sp...

In our final episode of 2025, Dr Julie Macken reflects on a year marked by secrecy in government, stalled human rights reform in Australia, and the devastating normalisation of genocide, war, and systemic abuse across the globe.

Julie unpacks:

This is a sobering conversation but, also a reminder that we choose what becomes normal...

Next year marks 25 years since the Tampa crisis, a week that changed Australia forever. In this episode, Dr Julie Macken reflects on how one political decision reshaped the nation’s moral compass, turning compassion for those seeking refuge into cruelty and complacency.

From the shocking revelation that an outlaw motorcycle gang is being paid billions to run our offshore detention centres, to the government’s ongoing refusal to hold an inquiry into immigration detention, Julie exposes the deep moral and political failures we continue to fund...in silence.

This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a...

In this week’s episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Julie Macken challenges Australia’s narrow view of national security. While policymakers pour billions into defence and submarines, real security, climate resilience, housing, health, equality, and community wellbeing, remains dangerously neglected.

Julie asks the questions few in power dare to:

What would national security look like if it actually kept Australians safe from the threats we know are coming—climate catastrophe, pandemics, cyber warfare, and social inequality?

Why are we investing in weapons instead of in people, ecosystems, and the planet that sustains us?

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken explores the alarming findings of the federal government’s climate impact report and the hidden intelligence reports they chose not to release. While Australians were told about rising temperatures, collapsing fish stocks, and dire environmental futures, the government kept quiet about the geopolitical fallout across our region. Macken unpacks what this silence means: displacement of entire nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati, food and water crises in Indonesia, and the prospect of hundreds of millions facing unliveable conditions near our doorstep. Her call is urgent: Australia needs a real na...

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken delves into the seismic development in Australia's national security landscape from ASIO, confirming that Iran, through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, orchestrated anti-semetic attacks on Australian soil. In response, Albanese has expelled Iran's ambassador, suspended operations at the Tehran embassy, and initiated steps to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Macken goes further and argues that Chris Minns knew and it is time for an apology. It is time to apologise to the pro-palestine groups that were blamed in the process. It is time for a...

In this episode, Dr Julie Macken shares the story behind Sydney’s first Peace Picnic, happening on 31 August at Wentworth Common, Sydney Olympic Park.

She talks about why, in a world full of conflict, from Gaza and Ukraine to rising domestic violence and community divisions at home, people are looking for a simple, peaceful way to come together. Julie explains how a humble picnic can be a powerful response to despair, offering connection, music, meaningful conversations, and a sense of solidarity when so many of us feel powerless.

This isn’t about politics or religion. It’s...

In this week's episode, Dr Julie Macken confronts the emotional and spiritual toll of witnessing injustice; from the horrors unfolding in Gaza to the growing despair in Australian communities. She explores the concept of moral injury, the deep internal wound that arises when we witness atrocities we cannot stop, and its ripple effects on our collective wellbeing. Julie also offers a hopeful path forward: community-based political action as a remedy for despair and a source of healing and reconnection.

This episode is a call to feel, to reflect, and most importantly, to act.

Find Julie's...

This week on Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken dives deep into three major news stories; one dominating headlines, the others barely noticed. While the world devours every detail of the Victorian “death cap mushroom murder,” two seismic reports about Australia’s treatment of First Nations people, historic genocide in Victoria and systemic racism in the NT police, barely register. Why?Julie unpacks how the media shapes what we care about, but also how our clicks reinforce the stories we see. Is it discomfort, denial, or something deeper? It’s a sharp, sobering reflection on what stories we prioriti...

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, we bring to you a special post-pentecost reflection where Dr Michael Walker challenges the myths of modern freedom and fulfilment. Speaking from the historic St Peter’s Church in Surry Hills, where Mary MacKillop and Eileen O’Connor once prayed, Michael explores how social media-fuelled consumerism has seduced us into lifestyles of overwork, isolation, and ecological harm.

Marking 10 years since the promulgation of Laudato Si’, this episode unpacks what it means to live well without living large. Drawing from Catholic tradition, Scripture, and his own lived experience of giving...

In this week's episode, Dr Julie Macken unpacks the dangerous absurdity of war-making power in Australia. As conflict escalates globally, from Gaza to Ukraine, from Iran to Sudan,Julie calls out the hypocrisy of world leaders, the silence around nuclear stockpiles, and the erosion of public trust in our institutions. But here’s the kicker: in Australia, only one person decides if we go to war, the Prime Minister. No Parliament. No public vote. Not even the party room. From Gaza’s genocide to NATO’s spineless posturing, Julie lays bare the truth behind war powers, the media cycle, and ho...

This Saturday, June 21st, is the shortest and coldest night of the year, and for many sleeping rough in Sydney, it could be their last. In this stark and urgent episode, Cailey exposes the deadly intersection between homelessness and mental illness in our city. With over 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness and soaring rates of untreated mental health conditions among them, this is more than a crisis, it’s a moral failure.

As Sydney prepares to gather in Martin Place for a public memorial honouring lives lost on the streets, this episode is both a eulogy and a rallying cr...

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken reflects on the frustration many Australians feel; from climate inaction to the horrors in Gaza.

Why does real change feel so out of reach, even when public support is strong?

Julie explores Australia's role in global emissions, the moral cost of silence, and the deep need for everyday citizens to take up the call for justice. Whether it's demanding a ceasefire, resisting gas expansion, or simply starting a conversation: this episode reminds us that change starts with all of us. Are you in?<...

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr. Julie Macken speaks on why the genocide in Gaza is not just a distant humanitarian crisis, it’s a mirror reflecting our own national conscience. She lays out three crucial reasons why Australians must speak up: to safeguard our climate future, to protect our moral integrity, and to reclaim our shared humanity. It’s a wake-up call for action, accountability, and empathy.

What are you willing to stand for?

What does justice look like when viewed through a Catholic lens? The newest Social Justice Facilitator, Pauline Jasudason, leads this conversation, guiding listeners through key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the historic 1986 address by Pope John Paul II to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s 2023–2024 Social Justice Statement on mental health and homelessness. Pauline also reflects on her own formation, from university ministry and immersion trips to journalism and parish life, and how these experiences have deepened her commitment to justice, storytelling, and faith in action.

This episode also features hone...

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken speaks plainly about the crisis unfolding in Gaza and Australia’s deafening silence. With 14,000 children facing starvation and international law on the brink, Julie challenges political narratives, unpacks our complicity, and calls for real action. From arms exports to the rejection of asylum seekers, she asks: if we don’t act now, what does that say about us?

what comes after the votes are counted? With Labor claiming a strong majority, Dr Julie Macken celebrates Australia’s rejection of division, but warns that real change won’t come without public pressure. From the legacies of Whitlam and Keating to the present-day crises of climate, inequality, and housing, this episode is a heartfelt call to action: it’s up to us to keep the fire for justice burning.

We apologise to our audio listeners for the static in parts of this episode.

In this urgent pre-election episode, Dr Julie Macken cuts through the noise of campaign slogans to ask a critical question: what actually keeps Australia safe? With one in eight people globally living in conflict zones, and trust in political leadership at a low, she calls out the alarming silence of our major parties on national security. Julie argues that real threats ;pandemics, climate change, cyber attacks, and public distrust, are being ignored. If our leaders won’t act, maybe it’s time we did. Let's call for a bold proposal for a People’s National Security Plan that puts health...

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken takes us on a wild, but purposeful, journey from penguins and Trump’s tariffs, to the real and chilling normalisation of violence, abuse, and authoritarianism. As the world watches absurdity unfold, are we laughing ourselves into complacency while human rights are quietly dismantled? Australia's soul is on the line. We must resist normalised cruelty and instead elevate kindness, intelligence, and the rule of law for all.

In this week’s episode, standing in for Dr Julie Macken, Dr Michael Walker explores whether digital platforms can effectively drive social justice. Drawing from personal research, Michael argue that while the internet can be a powerful on-ramp for engagement, like raising awareness and connecting people, lasting political or social change usually requires moving beyond the digital space.

The #MeToo movement is cited as a rare example of spontaneous, online-driven impact. However, most attempts at online organising, including efforts within companies like Google and Amazon, haven’t achieved lasting change. The conclusion? Digital tools are great for star...

Julie Macken discusses the Australian budget's lack of support for asylum seekers and refugees, highlighting a 95% decrease in funding from $369 million in 2016-2017 to $20 million, while immigration detention costs have risen to nearly $1.4 billion. She criticises the Labor government for failing to uphold its promise of humane treatment, noting that asylum seekers still lack basic support like Centrelink, housing, and Medicare. Macken argues that the budget's allocation reflects societal values, implying that neglecting vulnerable groups could lead to broader societal mistreatment. She questions whether the upcoming federal election will include anti-asylum seeker rhetoric, suggesting that political parties assume public...

Julie Macken discusses the dual crises of floods and drought in Australia, highlighting the emotional toll of climate change. She finds hope in a conversation with Tim Buckley, who believes Australia and China are leading the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Macken argues that despair is a political tool used to exploit fear and division, urging Australians to reject this strategy and embrace community action. She emphasizes that hope is justified, citing existing community efforts in housing, social support, and environmental initiatives as evidence of progress and resilience.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social justice, Dr Julie Macken discusses the aftermath of a tense Oval Office meeting involving Trump, Vance, and Zelensky, describing it as a bullying incident that has left many feeling traumatised. Julie criticises America's withdrawal from the international order it established, highlighting its impact on global free trade and alliances. Macken mentions Australia's $400 billion investment in nuclear submarines from an unreliable ally, questioning the wisdom of such a commitment. She highlights the need for Australia to re-evaluate its values and international stance as the country prepares for a federal election, urging a...

Dr Julie Macken discusses the importance of facts over feelings in the context of social justice and the upcoming federal election. She expresses concern over recent dismissals of African American anchors in the U.S. media and the threat of mass layoffs of public servants if a coalition wins the election. Julie emphasises the need to evaluate politicians based on their actions and proposals rather than personal feelings or appearances. She later argues that feelings have led to negative consequences in America and urge voters to focus on facts to make informed decisions during the election campaign here in...

Dr Julie Macken is back this week to discuss lack of civics education in Australian schools, defining a good citizen as someone who actively contributes to their community. She highlights the dangers of a dismantled democracy, citing the U.S. example of Trump and Musk undermining democratic institutions. Julie warns of the negative impacts on vulnerable populations and the global economy. She emphasises the importance of vigilance in the upcoming Australian federal elections, urging citizens to be informed, critical, and proactive in protecting democracy against political donations and misinformation, particularly from carbon emitters and the fossil fuel lobby.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken discusses the current state of global social justice, particularly the erosion of international human rights protections. She criticises U.S. President Donald Trump for undermining decades of post-WWII international agreements and calls out the mainstream media for failing to challenge his actions. Julie goes on to argue that silence and inaction from global leaders, including Australia's Prime Minister, professional leaders, and religious figures, enable the normalisation of genocide. Macken urges Australians, especially those in positions of power, to speak up against such injustices to prevent history from...

To launch Season 4 of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken kicks off by delving into the Trump inauguration and America's corridors of power, retaining hope and compassion during climate change and political hostility, and holding onto Social Justice during these times.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken provides another example of why we need a Royal Commission into Immigration Detention and why we need it now! Specifically, Julie divulges how Meriton hotels are used as 'quasi-prisons'.

In this week's Speaking of Social Justice episode, Dr Julie Macken discusses the NSW premier and Prime Minister's response to the Palestine and Israel rallies in Sydney over the weekend. She later goes into how this affects Australia's democracy and our barriers in recreating it.

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken highlights Australia's exceptionalism. She discusses how we are so exceptional because we are the only Western democracy without a National Security Plan as well as how we are the only Western democracy without a Bill of Human Rights or any form of human rights protection act.

On this week's Speaking of Social Justice episode, we bring you a special edition from our latest event. On Saturday, August 31st, the Justice & Peace Office Sydney hosted our 2024 Justice and Peace Gathering, breaking down the 2024-25 Social Justice Statement.

Listen as Fr Peter, Promoter of Justice & Peace, poses the question: Justice or Charity?

Dr Julie Macken and Dr Michael Walker engage in a two-part conversation this week about the latest AUKUS "alternative" - a submarine base in Western Australia, but they won't be Australian submarines!