The Centre of the Public Square launched in late 2023 by Peter Lewis, from Essential Media, and Per Capita. As the name implies, The Centre’s focus is on building platforms for better public discussions about the issues that impact us as citizens.
The Public Square
It starts by calling out how the global digital platforms are distorting public discourses to meet their own exploitative business models in a way that is undermining trust in public institutions and dividing citizens into angry tribes.
But this project goes deeper than pure critique, by piloting new ways to create better civic experiences for citizens who want to engage in their communities and build the countervailing power our system so desperately needs.
These are big ideas. But the focus of the Centre is to break them into simple chunks, experimenting with new models and hypothesis, while casing a critical eye on new technology and government’s policy responses.
Most importantly, we want to make this a fun experience for those who want to be involved – giving you the opportunity to participate in lively but respectful public debates where you feel seen, heard and valued.
Our Podcast
Burning Patforms: De-Coding the Power and Politics of Big Tech.
Join Peter Lewis, Lizzie O’Shae (Digital Rights Watch), Dan Stinton (HealthEngine CEO), and guests, fortnightly for analysis of the politics of technology from some of Australia’s leading digital campaigners and industry experts.
Listen to Burning Platforms on:
Our Newsletter
The Town Crier
The Town Crier is the fortnightly email newsletter from the Centre of the Public Square. Stay up to date with our latest research, government submissions, podcast episodes and thoughts about recent developments in the ever-evolving world of tech/politics.
