The global left has been eagerly following the progress of Bernie Sanders - self described democratic socialist - campaign for the democratic presidential candidate in the U.S. In this context it is important discuss different visions of socialism. 

In this talk Hans Baer will discuss his latest book Democratic Eco-Socialism as a Real Utopia. The book outlines the urgent need to reevaluate historical definitions of socialism, commit to social equality and justice, and prioritize environmental sustainability. Democatic eco-socialism, as he terms it, is a system capable of mobilizing people around the world, albeit in different ways, to prevent on-going human socio-economic and environmental degradation, and anthropogenic climate change.

Hans A. Baer is a critical anthropologist and a Principal Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. He has published 20 books, including four related to climate change.

Torture & Trauma counsellor, Christine Cummins, shares true stories of courage and sacrifice from Christmas Island

After spending five years working on Christmas Island as a torture and trauma counsellor Christine Cummins found herself in the privileged position as the holder of stories. She had witnessed the arrival of thousands of men, women and children seeking asylum by boat, and provided counselling and support to hundreds. Returning to mainland Australia she identified an important gap in public understanding of people pursuing protection in a conflict-ridden world and started to write.

She uses these stories as a means to express the pain and suffering experienced by thousands of people forced into the unenviable position of fleeing their homelands. Christine has spoken publicly to meet the intense interest people have in learning of the truth within Australian immigration detention, the impact of government policies and the reality of the refugee journey.

Her book Dignity in a teacup: true stories of courage and sacrifice was published by Australian Scholarly Publishing 2019.

Bio:
Christine is a trauma counsellor and psychiatric nurse consultant with a Masters in Mental Health. She has a background in social justice and human rights having worked with aid agencies in Sri Lanka and Iran and in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia with indigenous communities. A vocal advocate Christine is passionate about the need to maintain human dignity and access to basic human rights for all