Democracy is in serious trouble…

So begins Tariq Ali in his confronting new book, Extreme Centre, challenging citizens and governments to ensure freedom and equality across the world.

Australia, Ali says, “specialises in battery-farming politicians of a provincial cast with impressive regularity … citizens deserve better.”

As part of his Australian tour, the writer and filmmaker will join Emeritus Professor Robert Manne on stage at Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo on Saturday, August 8, for the discussion we all need to hear. Why is democracy under siege and what can be done to restore it?

Here’s a recent article in the Guardian, where Ali remembers activist Stuart Hall, whose message to those who want to see change was, get active: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/10/stuart-hall-radical-thinker-thatcherism

“With such a magnificent venue, and the wonderful support of La Trobe University, this will be a memorable night for our city and our festival.”

Beyond Extreme: Tariq Ali in conversation with Emeritus Professor Robert Manne, is a Bendigo Writers Festival keynote event, in collaboration with the La Trobe University Ideas and Society program.

“This is yet another exciting example of our creative partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and our commitment to arts and culture in the Bendigo community,” La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar says.

“We are pleased to be part of Bendigo’s already highly respected writers festival, and to support it as it takes yet another strong step forward.”

Tickets are available from the Bendigo Writers Festival website.