From welfare compliance and predictive policing to visa processing and risk assessment, automated systems are reshaping how governments interact with citizens. While often promoted as faster and more efficient, they raise critical questions about accountability, transparency, fairness and human rights.

In this year's Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture, Dr Yee-Fui Ng examines the growing use of automation and artificial intelligence in public administration and what happens when these systems fail. Drawing on Australia's Robodebt scandal and international approaches to regulating automated governance, she explores how poorly designed systems can entrench bias, reduce transparency and erode public trust.

As governments rapidly adopt AI-driven tools, how can we ensure efficiency does not come at the expense of justice, accountability and democratic oversight?

Free event. Registration required.

What's on:

Events and points of interest around Hobart.

7 Aug 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Antarctica is Melting: photographer David Neilson
'Antarctica is Melting' presents a powerful selection of black and white photographs by Australian wilderness photographer David Neilson, drawn from six journeys to Antarctica and
1 Mar 2022 - 31 Aug 2027
Phoenix Creations Wooden Spoon Carving Workshops
Welcome to a day of creative mindfulness with David and Michelle of Phoenix Creations in their small Cygnet studio.
3 Sep 2026 - 14 Sep 2026
Below and Beyond
Below and Beyond presents a series of paintings and handmade seaweed paper sculptures by Hobart artist Catherine Stringer.
31 Jul 2026 - 26 Sep 2027
Becoming Modern: Mid-century Australian Art
This large-scale exhibition brings together paintings, sculpture and works on paper, highlighting figuration, abstraction, and foregrounding works by Tasmanian women artists.
31 Jul 2026 - 18 Oct 2026
EXPOSED LANDS: 100 Years of Tasmanian Landscape Photography
This exhibition is a survey of 100 years of photographic history depicting Tasmania's nature, sharing perspectives of the island.
31 Jul 2026 - 1 Mar 2027
The World of Seashells
This exhibition celebrates the natural beauty of seashells and the enduring sense of wonder they inspire.
21 Aug 2026 - 9 Sep 2026
David Keeling | Waking on a Sunny Day
'Waking on a Sunny Day' is filled with arresting landscapes, portrayed mostly through oil on linen. Lliteral depictions of place, subtly infused with memory.
26 Aug 2026 - 4 Oct 2026
Tasmanian Still Life – A Photography Exhibition
'Tasmanian Still Life' is the culmination of a year-long body of work by Tasmanian photographic artist Emma Coombes.
22 May 2026 - 18 Sep 2026
The Cavatelli Craft: Masterclass & Lunch
Step into the heart of the 196 year old heritage guest kitchen for an intimate afternoon of flour, flavour, and fine Tasmanian hospitality.
29 May 2026 - 2 Oct 2026
“The Sapphire Secret”
Just 20 minutes from Hobart and 15 from the airport, Prospect Country House is a 196-year-old convict-built villa steeped in colonial mystery. Built in 1830,
All events