Threats to an open society

Is the West's reaction to the Twin Towers and other attacks just what the terrorists were hoping for?

This question will be posed by one of Australia's most respected political figures and intellectuals, Dr Barry Jones AO, when he gives this year's John Bray Oration on 4 September on the topic of freedom of speech and censorship in contemporary society.

Dr Jones became a household name as a Pick A Box quiz champion before entering politics in the 1970s. He was Minister for Science from 1983 to 1990, presiding over the growth of the CSIRO, the creation of the Australia Prize, Questacon and the Commission for the Future.

He was President of the Australian Labor Party between 1992 and 2000 and again in 2005-2006.

He has been Vice President of the World Heritage Committee, Deputy Chair of the fourth Constitutional Convention and a member of the Executive Board of UNESCO.

He is a prolific author of political and sociological books, the most recent being his autobiography A Thinking Reed.

In his talk, "Censorship and secrecy: threats to an open society in an insecure age", Dr Jones will discuss the "substantial erosion" in the West of many elements which characterise a free society.

The John Bray Oration will be held at 5.45pm in Union Hall, North Terrace Campus on Tuesday 4 September. Bookings are essential. RSVP to Gaynor Tyerman on (08) 8303 6356 or email gaynor.tyerman@adelaide.edu.au