CPD public service program Research Director Dr James Whelan was interviewed by Philip Adams about his report, Big Society and Australia, while Shadow Minister for Families, Housing and Human Services commented on opposition plans for Australian public services. The debate was lively and masterfully ‘refereed’ by the Late Night Live host.

Two years ago, the UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced the aims of his ‘Big Society’ program would include empowering communities, by encouraging a diversity of service providers and fostering volunteerism and mutualism. However, critics of ‘Big Society’, like the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams have denounced them as ‘aspirational waffle’. But what’s been the impact of these “Big Society” programs, and are we likely to see the same here, given that the Coalition’s policies sound very similar to those of David Cameron?

Hear the full discussion on Late Night Live here

Access the Big Society and Australia report and background information here