The distribution of material and economic resources is characterised by significant imbalance and inequity, a fact given recent recognition with the planned adoption of disability insurance policy. But the broad canopy of social detriment covers a wide range of human circumstance characterised by disparate origins, diverse causes and idiosyncratic potential solutions. We explore a plethora of distinct topics and problems unified by the general recognition of the continuing, perhaps intransigent, injustice and difficulty: Indigenous employment; refugee protection; age-related cognitive decline; glass ceilings; and all in the context of the role and future of antidiscrimination law in Australia.

9.15am Opening remarks
>Professor Tom Kompas, Director, Crawford School of Public Policy

9.25am Equity, social capital and well-being in public policy
>Professor Robert Costanza, ANU Chair in Public Policy, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU
>Discussant: Professor Ben Reilly, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU
>Chaired by Dr Amanda Smullen, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU

10.30-11am Morning tea

11am Indigenous employment: recent trends, future prospects
>Professor Matthew Gray, ANU Public Policy Fellow >Discussant: Mr Mike Woods, Deputy Chairman, Productivity Commission >Chaired by Ms Mary Ann O’Loughlin, Executive Councillor and Head of secretariat, COAG Reform Council

12-1pm Lunch

1pm Sharing, not shifting: How Australia can contribute to refugee protection in our region
>Professor Penelope Mathew, ANU Public Policy Fellow
>Discussant: Dr Juliet Pietsch, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
>Chaired by Dr John Hewson, Executive Chairman, Shartru Capital
2pm The future of anti-discrimination law in Australia
>Professor Margaret Thornton, ANU Public Policy Fellow
>Discussant: Ms Chris Ronalds AM SC, Barrister, Sydney
>Chaired by Dr Mark Matthews, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU
3-3.30pm Afternoon Tea
3.30pm Mental capital in an ageing society—the policy implications of age-related cognitive decline
>Professor Kaarin Anstey, ANU Public Policy Fellow
>Discussant: Ms Chris Ronalds AM SC, Barrister, Sydney
>Chaired by Dr Mark Matthews, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU
4.30pm Glass ceilings: Why are they persisting and what can we do about them?
>Professor Alison Booth, ANU Public Policy Fellow
>Discussant: Dr Martin Parkinson, PSM, Secretary to the Treasury
>Chaired by Stephen Sedgwick AO, Public Service Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission
5.30-6.30pm Reception
For more information visit ANU Public Policy 2013