Wow this really exposed Rita Panahi as someone out of her depth on this subject. Unfortunately for her she was sandwiched between two brilliant & extremely well informed speakers. Very interesting & thought-provoking take on our endemic racism by Jack Thompson. Very good debate, thanks for sharing.

Rita is really quite embarrassing - I am ashamed this is being broadcast beyond our shores.

I would say ignorance is killing the Australian dream.

Why do people call wanting to live as well off as possible "American dream" "Australian dream" etc? It's what people everywhere want and has got nothing to do with nations.

White guilt is a sickening thing.

Stan's speech has been edited, he acknowledged his father whose THREE FINGER TIPS WERE CUT OFF WORKING IN SAWMILLS TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE. the irony of calling yourself the Ethics Centre. Stan was censored.

If the Australian Dream is simply paying off your house, then racism has no impact on it at all. This wasn't a debate, it was just a series of monologues, where they barely acknowledged the actual topic, or the other speakers. Most of their "points" had no citations. The topic was not defined. There was almost no rebuttal.

Why the hate to Rita? She seems like someone I could not get along with personally but the things she said made perfect sense.

Rita Panahi is terrible, she shouldn't have been invited to speak. Sorry but she came across as though she was plucked off the streets of Carolyn Springs. I truly cringed every-time she opened her mouth.

I think Stan should run for Prime minister....I can't think of anyone with more integrity, truism and wisdom, someone truly capable of listening and understanding, someone who truly understands the importance of unity and community, and the importance of integration as apposed to segregation...we need to embrace and learn from the original people of this land!

Overall I'd have to say that Jack should have been sitting on the Left side of the stage with the other two. His argument that it's not ruining the Australian Dream because the dream was racist to begin with was basically handing the argument to the other side. He was either trying something really out there (it's can't be destroying the dream, because it's fundamentally part of the dream) or he was batting for the other team the whole time. 'The Dream' is not a destination, it's a journey, it's a bit like chasing perfection that can never be achieved. No sooner do we address the laundry list of claims, the list changes and, as Rita pointed out, some demands are even reversed (Canadian woman claiming we're not as welcoming because we don't ask where she's from, yet others feel singled out for being asked in the first place: one person's compliment is another person's insult). Much like how the speaker declared the Left winners based on the vote (from a room who, before the debate even took place, were already 50% on their side, meaning the Left only needed 1% more to win!), perhaps the majority of Australians should 'vote' on the topic and put it to rest. I don't think Jack Thompson should have been on the Right, his entire "yeah we're racist, get over it" was NEVER going to help the debate.

Thank you Stan Grant. I'm ashamed of many of these comments. Ashamed to be Australian.

Who coined this 'Australian Dream' crap? Doesn't that mean to win the footy, or are we (once again!) americanising things? Maybe they're simply using the words of Advance Australia Fair to express lofty ideology. Anyway, Jack and Stan spoke passionately about whatever it was and the whole debate was about as clear and resolved as who owns Palestine.

I feel that our indigenous people must be put first especially in rural areas, education, medical and housing is urgently required.. I have always felt like this as a kid and what really annoys me is outsiders are put first before our indigenous people.. We have our own problems that need to be attended to instead of trying to fix the whole world. I've personally seen migrants look down at our own indigenous but yet accuse Australia being racists towards them.. Yes it is true NZ is advanced with their indigenous that's how it should be here in Australia..

I'm not altogether sure of what the Australian dream is. I was told in the past that it was 'owning your own home'. Now that that is effectively beyond anyone without a fat inheritance or a job in merchant banking, I don't know what it's been replaced with. If it's something in the order of a fully empathetic, tolerant and welcoming society that tries to ensure rights and opportunities to everyone (i.e. NOT 'everyone except these or those'), then I'm on board. Stan Grant believes that such an ideal is being destroyed by racism, a view he backs up by a pointed account of the experience of his own people. What's our reaction to this? If it's to accuse him of pulling old scabs, of refusing to 'get over it and move on', of calling all white people racists, of ignoring 'all the things Aboriginals get', of unawareness of countries where there is 'real' racism (whatever that is) - well, it seems to me he's probably right. Racism, like every other social attitude founded on ignorance, has as a central feature a total inability (or unwillingness) to see life from the perspective of another - or, as Joe South sang, to 'walk a mile in my shoes.' Racism may or may not be killing the dream, but it's certainly being held back by our mindless determination to reach for a weapon at the first sign of Banquo's ghost pissing in our beer.

there isn't a place on earth without 'racism'. best to accept it and work around it.

Ethics Centre, would we be able to also get a separate video of Jack Thompson's speech?

Rita "get real" !

Rita was reading her notes the whole time.

Rita Panahi sounded like a teenager in an adult conversation

Systematic oppression doesn't exist, that is so self evident that there really shouldn't be an argument anymore. Offcourse aboriginal communities suffered and have delved into poverty, similarly to the black ghettos in the U.S. Poverty = crime, it isn't a race problem. But how are reparations going to be made? Is there really any other path than to help educate and motivate the aboriginal communities to better themselves? Do you really think giving money to someone who isn't educated to begin with will help them? I'm not arguing against welfare by any means, i'm just saying that reperations in the form of money aren't exactly beneficial.

Rita Panahi, the off-brand Ann Coulter.

I'm on the center right in my political spectrum and generally tend to lean towards the American right - conservatives even though I'm a centrist classical liberal with some value for tradition i.e. Douglas Murray, Ron Paul, Charlie Kirk & Michael Knowles. But I have to admit: Rita Panahi was the most clueless person on the debate. Stan rocked the show and Kudos to him for making very articulate points fortified with evidence. Btw, I actually lived in Melbourne, Australia for more than 2 years - seen it all. Rita needs some schooling.

Once more Jack Thompson plays Jack Thompson. it's a debate mate. Not a poetry recital. It's not about you.

A dream is a dream, look at what is real!

This need to be understood and watched everywhere. It is an absolutely incredible debate.

Blind leading blind.

I think Jack Daniels has blocked a few centuries off Jacks' study of the Celtic diaspora.

The results are very clear, racism is not a binary word, there is a degree of racism that infiltrates into every part of our live. Whether Australia is a country of racism depends on the benchmark it has been compared against. Australia is a lot more tolerant country compare to places like South Africa or most of the developing world, but not quite there yet compared to places like New Zealand, USA and Canada.

I am an immigrant who has succeeded but I have experienced discrimination personally and seen it levied on others. I never took any offense when I witnessed racism but rather dished out as much as I got except I did it with some class.The panel failed to define what is the Aussie Dream. Like Rita, I have no issues with people having a dig as long as it is done in good taste i.e. humour not ridicule, however Rita is ignorant of what an immigrant with brown or black skin experiences compared to say a white European and I know it is not the same. The lady who mentioned about a study by Macquarie University, that is true from my personal experience. The other aspect, is that Rita was the most ignorant person on the panel, a typical alarmist journalist who thrives on inciting emotion knowing only some facts. Jack Thopmson said that we the people not the leaders that need to make the change, that is true in principle but not practical as we elect governments and we entrust them to govern on our behalf - so it is the leaders that must make this change.

The amount of dislikes to likes ratio ironically confirms Stan's speech. If anything Aussies prove his point. #notall

Imo until our least, in this case indigenous people of australia, are considered in the same way as our immigrants a d the wider society, racism will always be the looming black cloud over Australias heads. Treaty, a change in the constitution and the ability to have self determination and a voice in government will do the world of good to increase the opportunity of the great Australian dream for all. If First Nations people aren’t treated respectfully, why in the hell would we expect immigrants to be. Fix our history with legislation and the rest will flow on.

Jack Thompson took a fucking cheeky route and dogged the debate topic

Why do people make such a big deal about the white "invasion" of Australia? Aborigines had been invading and fighting each other for millennia before the white man showed up. The "invasion" of Australia by the British in 1788 was just one in a long line of invasions that occurred on the Australian continent.

This is a stupid "debate". It's not a debate in the definitive sense it's more like everyone's taking turns to read out their respective written speeches. Now having said that, there IS racism in Australia absolutely no denying about that. Even minorities are racist towards whites. So racism affects everyone in Australia. What disappoints me is that it's the whites/Anglo-Saxons who are always demanded to be accomodating to minorities and immigrants to Australia, which I believe most Anglo-Saxons have played their part (of course there are those few bad apples that don't). But I noticed that most minorities and immigrants, especially the Asians (chinese especially), do not play their part to integrate. They form ethnic enclaves, their prioritise their native tongue over English to communicate in Australia, they put up signboards in their native language, they do not want to follow the ways and culture of Australia, basically it's as if they desire to make a country within a country. That's where the root of the problem is. Of course political correctness trumps common sense these days, so those issues get ignored. It's difficult to unite people when those things are going on, hence the perceived "racism".

I understand this issue and i am all for the aboriginals,i support them.. Racism is an ugly thing globally.! Now,i've read and looked into enough indigenous scriptures and doco's out there and with confidence i can say i believe in the message Stan and Pallavi are trying to get across (i'm not even from Australia) But watching this is kind of pointless when it looks like Rita (who has no ears and is wasting everyone's time.) and Jack (who is talking in circles and is not relevant.) This isn't a debate. As far as Stan and Pallavi go they're the only one's who are making any fucking sense in this whole video clip..

I stand with Rita

If I was on Rita's side of the debate I'd be totally embarrassed by the shallowness and stupidity of her comments and arguements. Fortunately, i agree with the otherwise wholeheartedly!

The racism is so obvious but its funny Rita tries to pretend there is no racism whatsoever. Come on Rita we are not from Jupiter!

Looks like white settlers forgot who is the real owner of OZ

Based Rita

Stan Grant banging on about the atrocities committed two centuries ago. That is not destroying the "dream" of today mate.

Stan is amazing Thank you Stan for being so honest

Native people are always despised and attacked by colonisers, it's happening in England now. 70% of Londoners are new 'ethnic settlers' the native British working class have all but been totally driven out. Sad to see Aborigine and Native Americans are suffering too.

really? this was debated as a national issue? how about looking at it from a policy issue within government and as a corporate problem. just like MANY nations around the world. it's not the masses it's the out of touch government that make the incorrect policies that aid these issues of today. the past was horrible but that was many many years ago and not the Australia of today. politics is today's issue.

As my mum used to say, Australia's a great place to live, as long as you're white.

As somebody who has lived in actual racist countries Australia is more tolerant then most of the commentors could understand. The racism mentioned was from a time when all western countries displayed the same racism on a cultural level. Every country, every country, has these same roots and pogroms and genocides were carried out but that doesn't make modern citizens racist. Its very trendy and seen as a positive to be negative all the time but having seen real cultural and doctrinal racism Australia is one of the best places on the planet.

I don't feel Australian anymore and I was born here and I'm experiencing discrimination

p

Are these "people of color" the most qualified they could find? The first guy was sharp. But, I am not unfamiliar with how many Australians speak down of "Abos" but these seem to have a focus on immigration.... Are they all giving speeches? I have to tap out 13 minutes in.

47:07 God bless this woman

what a terrible moderator....let people speak! Stop speaking for them...

ETHICS? YOU'VE GOTTA BE JOKIN' - WHAT ROCKS HAVE THESE PEOPLE BEEN LIVING UNDER? THERE'S ALWAYS BEEN RACISM IN THIS COUNTRY AND THERE ALWAYS WILL BE......GET A LIFE..

My personal opinion, racism do exist in Australia, but so is every other country, there is no clear cut between been stereotypical or racist, the minorities have to live with it while proving themselves to be otherwise - for example, Chinese are often to be seen as unruly, loud in public spaces etc, but then at the same time we are seen as be diligent and hardworking. If you think racism is a big deal, then you will have to recognise the stereotypical images associated with your 'race', work on improving it rather than hoping to exterminate one of the main human brain function which is stereotyping. Also, Australia has not been destroyed by anything, at most it is the China declining economic growth that is destroying Australia. the title of the debate is wrong an arguably in the least to begin with.

It is difficult to imagine Australia's indigenous people ever achieving equality and social equity when 97% of the population cherish a dream that does not give a damn about freedom, equality and social equity for the oppressed 3%. The Australian dream has always been and always will be to slowly eradicate the indigenous people in order to eradicate the problem. Unless a majority of that 97% demand an end to the racism, it will continue to take it's toll.

The key indicator that Australia is one of the least racist countries in the world, and that most of the talk of racism is about imagined or confected racism, is that Australia has the highest and fastest rate of immigrant intermarriage of any nation and an higher rate of indigenous intermarriage. Racists do not marry, as much as anything because racists have rigid social borders which prevent intermixing. Ergo, with such high intermarriage rates Australia is a minimally racist country.

The Australian dream remains as it always has been a WHITE AUSTRALIA. Our WHITE forebears established this land out of nothing (Terra Nullus) for their descendants for PERPETUITY

good onya racism

Wait, is this a 1v3?? This is bullshit lmaoo

Sounds a lot like Israel today

Why the fuck is this a debate. Of course racism is destroying the racist dream. Go to any school yard or workplace and listen for 5 minutes. You'll hear a book full of racist slurs

What the fuck is Thompson actually saying? Is he blind drunk? What a weird ramble. A collection of sentences that were loosely connected but together made absolutely no point at all!!

OK, so as someone who is of English ancestry, my ancestors were enslaved by the feudal system. Where do i sign up for free money and jobs? Also, if i score low on an IQ test, can i just say that it's due to my ancestors being enslaved by feudalism? Also, muslims enslaved white people during the ottoman empire. Can i get free money and jobs because of that too?

When the concept of the Australian 'Dream' includes 'Dreamtime' then we may able to evolve to an Australian identity that is truly unique, inclusive, respectful and imbued with the values that come from over 100 000 years of advanced social technology based on sustainability, consensus and inclusiveness.

Stan your the man

humans these days😂😂😂

The actions of yesterday will always affect today.

Rita is on the right of the spectrum

Pranahi is Iranian elite whose rich af family split to America when the Shah was ousted and hid under the wing of Reagan and his Texas Tea Hill Billy friends. What does she know about commitment to country?

Stan Grant - brilliant.

Rita is a disgrace ... it is like Stan said nothing.

its official. ..i have a crush on Rita.

'Almost as rare as an England rugby win.'

Wow.. So well balanced even the against side was half in favour of the underlying notion. Almost every commenter in the audience wasnt born in Australia... Must be oh so terrible here. Douche bags

Some opinions are acceptable and some aren't because some are stupid and offensive Rita!

You must be imagining it. There's no such thing as racism in Australia.

NATIVE Australians are, sadly, been treated differently -- You may encounter a situation negative - or feel negative against Native People -- If Police arrest the same offender weekly, monthly, yearly, then the State is note doing there Job as Tribal Leader. and I stress it is NOT the fault of the Police -- I think this debate is Lost in translation of racism -- How dare you or any one say Native Australians are born into the hard row! They can take Jokes and if they feel they need to walk about and the can not REMEMBER you can not go left right up down nude or do Drag with out ''THE GOVERNMENT"" this debate falls short and is stupid Stan Grant get off this show -- you need it not -- HATE is up and it is the Lib&Co that with intent wanted-- also take Scotland away and tell me racism will grow. -- Rita sorry your either lost in translation as I think all here are today

I would argue that racism improves the Australian Dream. Due to racism itself, and its decline through decades and centuries. The Australian Dream is flexible, inherit with certain values. These can be transgressed through generations of a dream evolving. Australia, its rich soil, and its education freedoms have placed it in a favourable state to ascend into a progressive and globalized narrative. Nothing is static; racism, education, freedom, societies, or the Australian Dream. The question is are these factors changing drastically through time, or are they not? Therefore is the dream not a reflectance of its citizens, also growing through generation?

all of this nationalism is making me feel ill.

That Rita was a spunky bird

Thank you Rita for some sanity

austarlia...hahahahahahahh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh well....nothing has changed in last two hundred years...the anglo in the group has the last word!!! austalia....hahahhahahahahahahahah!!!

2016 Shame Shame Shame .. A land of racists for sure

Rita got slaughtered in this debate. She's literate, but she's way out of her depth. The calibre of her arguments were not as compelling at all.

Why was Rita Panahi invited to this debate. She has no idea of what she is saying and how to put her words forward so they don't sound derogatory. How could you be proud to call yourself Australian. I have never heard before about migrants taking over there jobs i have nothing against other religions, i can not say i have never made a racist remark but i wouldn't do it intentionally i have only said one a few times but no one in the world could say they haven't been racist. Rita Panahi can't even write nor read off of a script properly if you were to compere her to Stan Grant. The way she speaks sounds like she has only just started to learn of how to speak at a debate. A Grade 7 could speak more confidently than Rita Panahi. So in the end of my comment her speech was a bore and disgusts me.

Rita panahi is a joke