People understandably have strong opinions about energy policy, fundamental as it is to prosperity and progress. This is particularly so in Australia when the discussion ranges to nuclear energy. And since we first conceived this event, it has become an explicitly party political issue, raising the temperature somewhat. So let’s demonstrate once again that contentious national issues can be discussed frankly, fearlessly and civilly, in a non-partisan way, in public, by people of goodwill, in good faith, in pursuit of truth, progress and better policy.

The Brisbane Dialogues is not for everyone. It is for curious, concerned citizens who are willing to listen respectfully to views they don't agree with in order to understand complexities better and are open to refining or even changing their own position. It is not for those who have made their minds up, who want to promote a fixed position, or just want to cheer on speakers they agree with. It is definitely not for anyone wanting to denigrate speakers or fellow citizens they don't agree with.