What is the place of morality in public policy? And what happens when a government demonstrates a systematic contempt for its own citizens? In his latest book, Mean Streak, leading journalist Rick Morton investigates what led to the Robodebt debacle – a tragedy for so many Australians – and what it tells us about our society. The impacts of this far-reaching story are far bigger than Robodebt, as Rick explores in conversation with Varuna’s Amy Sambrooke.
Rick Morton is an award-winning journalist and the author of three non-fiction books, including My Year of Living Vulnerably, One Hundred Years of Dirt and the extended essay On Money. His latest book, Mean Streak, tells the story of Robodebt, a gripping story of how Australia's government turned on its most vulnerable citizens.
Amy Sambrooke is the Digital Programs Producer at Varuna, and Program Advisor for the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival. She started her career as a Producer at ABC Sydney and has served on advisory committees and boards for visual arts, heritage, community and not-for-profit organisations.
This venue is wheelchair accessible, but please visit our Accessibility page or email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au if you have any other accessibility requirements.
Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival will have Auslan interpreters available for the Festival and will schedule them into sessions on request. Please complete the Auslan request question at checkout.
Festival Ticket Information
To take full advantage of all the events on offer, we recommend purchasing a weekend or day pass. Subject to availability, a strictly limited number of single tickets may become available, see below.