Fearless Conversations: Tim Costello heads up panel discussion on global conflict and crisis

War, famine, climate change, Covid – the latest Fearless Conversation forum looks at the local fallout from world emergencies. Watch it here.

David Goldsmith

2 min read

September 21, 2022 - 11:47AM

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The reluctance of western leaders to tackle climate change is a “wicked problem” facing the world, according to renowned social justice advocate Tim Costello.

The former chief executive of World Vision Australia said food security – exacerbated by issues such as war in Ukraine – would remain a global issue while politicians looked to shore up their own futures rather than institute reform.

“The impact of climate change is disproportionately hitting the world’s poor at the moment,” he said. “Where they live (is) almost determining whether they live.

“The politics of western nations is ‘we can’t survive politically’ if we ask for that sort of sacrifice. This is where we won’t address this for future generations. This is a big moral fail.”

Reverend Tim Costello delivers the Investigator Lecture. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Rev Costello made the comments as part of the latest Fearless Conversations series, run by Flinders University in partnership with The Advertiser to bring together leading voices in roundtable discussions about the big issues facing the state, nation and world.

This month’s forum – under the banner of Conflict and Crisis: A Global Health Emergency – began with Flinders University’s Investigator Lecture, delivered by Rev Costello.

He noted that while countries such as Somalia were grappling with famine, Australia’s foreign aid expenditure was at its “lowest-ever” level, at 19c out of every $100 of GDP.

“When we can spend, as we do in Australia, $48 billion on defence ... but only $4 billion on aid, something’s wrong,” he told the audience at the Adelaide Town Hall event.

“It doesn’t matter where they live, our charity doesn’t end at the Continental Shelf of Australia.”

Reverend Tim Costello, Professor Paul Arbon, forum host Jessica Adamson, Professor Leonard Notaras and ABC reporter Eric Tlozek at the Adelaide Town Hall for the Fearless Conversation focusing on global conflict and crisis. Picture: Matt Loxton

Rev Costello then joined Flinders University Professor Paul Arbon, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre executive director Professor Leonard Notaras and ABC journalist Eric Tlozek for a 45-minute discussion.

Hosted by former Seven Network presenter Jess Adamson, the wide-ranging talk touched on concerns currently confronting the world, including Covid-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tensions surrounding China and Australia’s ability to respond to emergency situations.

Prof Notaras, who played a key role in co-ordinating medical assistance to the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings, said although “we are in a dangerous time” there was room for hope.

“We can, through (building) relationships, friendships and respect, do something about it,” he said. “When good people do nothing, bad things happen.”

Fearless panellists take centre stage at the Adelaide Town Hall. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Prof Arbon said while Australia was “arguably” very good at responding to emergency events, a solid framework was necessary.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a power failure, a flood, or a conflict – the systems need to be more robust so you are less damaged and survive better through the event and (can) recover faster.”

Eric Tlozek noted the more streamlined humanitarian response to more recent conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“While things might be more dangerous, our capacity to respond is actually better and that gives me a lot of reassurance,” he said. “I’ve got young kids and I didn’t like the feeling the world was falling apart for them.”