ABC Friends SA/NT representatives joined an informal gathering ahead of a panel discussion entitled Democracy in Peril, presented by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and The Conversation at the University of South Australia.

Image: Caption: From L to R: ABC Friends supporters, Penny and Tim, Peter Vandeleur, Vice President ABC Friends SA/NT and Misha Ketchell, Editor, The Conversation

The discussion was held in the context of 2024 being the biggest ever year for elections around the world, with more than four billion people eligible to vote in elections in more than 60 countries, including powerhouses, India, Russia, the US and, potentially, the UK.

ABC Friends SA Vice-President, Peter Vandeleur, said the discussion also focused on the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation.

“This was a very enlightening event and served to support the critical role the ABC plays in preserving Australian democracy,” he said.