Mistrust and Trust in Institutions in Australia

Today, human existence depends upon the effective functioning of a large number of interrelated institutions and organisations. We have no choice but to depend upon them, but this dependency is at times uncomfortable, and even unsafe.

Institutions that have historically been fundamental in the development of Australian society have been subjected to significant scrutiny and in the process have been shown to be corrupt and causing harm to people. The Church, banks, aged care providers and disability providers as well as the police have all recently had public displays of failure in their primary purpose and lost the trust of significant segments of the community. Many have been shown to prioritise profit over community service.

Cynicism about the behaviour of governments has increased notably in the last seven years. In the current coronavirus crisis, governments around the world need to draw on the trust of the governed, and this is now problematic.

Whom can we now trust in Australian society and why? How can we better understand what is happening? Can this be related to the psychological underpinnings of trust and mistrust?

We hope to explore these questions in a series of three Zoom workshops. Facilitated by GRA Member Ross Williams.

Dates:
Fortnightly: May 19th, June 2nd and June 16th 2021. 7-9pm AEST

Booking fee: $75 – Members / $105 – Non-members

Please note the location is currently TBC, and may be online or in-person depending on Covid restrictions. We will remain in contact with all who have registered to update them of the location.

To book your place please email administrator@grouprelations.org.au