The Future of Truth

When

Duration

Location

Ross Family Studio

Glasshouse Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service present:

The Future of Truth

In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a powerful act

In a world of misinformation, AI hallucinations and international cover-ups, the truth feels more elusive than ever.

Without a secure foundation of shared knowledge and institutions to support it, the basis of our society and culture is under threat. In this panel discussion, experts across technology, journalism and philosophy share their perspectives on the value of truth today. International correspondent Barbara Demick (Daughters of the Bamboo Grove), philosopher A.C. Grayling (For The People), Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales (The Seven Rules of Trust) and AI researcher Toby Walsh (The Shortest History of AI) share their insights.

Join Barbara, A.C., Jimmy and Toby in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Natasha Mitchell (Big Ideas).

Jimmy Wales appears thanks to the support of Phillip Keir and Sarah Benjamin.

Presented in partnership with ABC Radio National.

Relax, Refuel, Connect

Relax in our SWF Lounge between sessions and take the opportunity to chat and meet like-mined people. Tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.

Exclusive Offer

Present your Sydney Writers’ Festival ticket or VIP Festival Pass at Book Face in Port Central or Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie to receive a 10% discount* on books by featured authors in the Live & Local Program. This exclusive offer is valid from 10am Thursday 21 May to 4pm Sunday 24 May, 2026.

*Final discount and qualifying books at the discretion of Book Face and Collins Booksellers management.

Full Program Here(PDF, 3MB)  Book Day & Festival Passes Here

Part of Glasshouse SELECT 2026 Theatre Program

Part of Education @ Glasshouse 2026 Theatre Program   

Barbara Demick

Barbara Demick is a prize-winning author and former foreign correspondent. Her latest book is Daughters of the Bamboo Grove. Previous books include Eat the Buddha: Life and Death in a Tibetan Town and the bestselling Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, which won the Samuel Johnson (now called Baillie Gifford) prize. She spent seven years in China for the Los Angeles Times. She also contributes to The New Yorker.

A.C. Grayling

Professor A. C. Grayling is the Founder and Principal of Northeastern University London and a Professor of Philosophy. He is the author of numerous influential works spanning philosophy, humanism, ethics, and public affairs. His books include The God Argument: The Case against Religion and for Humanism, The History of Philosophy, The Meaning of Things: Applying Philosophy to Life, The Good Book: A Humanist Bible, Life, Sex and Ideas: The Good Life Without God, Discriminations, For the People, Who Owns the Moon? and The Challenge of the Future. Professor Grayling is also a longstanding and regular contributor to leading publications, including The Times, The Guardian and Financial Times.

Jimmy Wales

Jimmy Wales is an internet entrepreneur who is best known as the founder of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation. Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, he was also acknowledged by the World Economic Forum as one of the top 250 leaders across the world for his professional accomplishments, his commitment to society and his potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, he lives with his family in London.

Toby Walsh

Toby Walsh is Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW Sydny and Fellow of the Australia Academy of Science who appears regularly on TV and radio talking about AI developments. His most recent book is The Shortest History of AI: six ideas are all you need to know. His advocacy about responsible use of AI has led to him being "banned indefinitely" from Russia.

Natasha Mitchell

Natasha Mitchell is a multi-award-winning journalist and presenter of ABC Radio National's flagship Big Ideas, hosted its popular daily Life Matters and was founding host and creator of the blockbuster radio show and trailblazing podcast All in the Mind for a decade. Natasha served as World Federation of Science Journalists' vice president, was awarded a prestigious MIT Knight Fellowship and won Grand Prize and four Gold World Medals at the New York Radio Festivals.

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