The prevailing mood across the Australian electorate is dark right now. At the end of what feels like a long and bitter federal election campaign, this week Virginia is joined by award winning journalist, Jess Hill, acclaimed author Nikki Gemmell, and one of Australia’s most powerful businesswomen, Carol Schwartz AO, as we ask what the style and nature of this hyper masculine campaign says about our nation. With broad long sight we take the pulse of Australia and ask what next? What do women want under a new government? Will it be a fresh start? And why is the election outcome so pivotal to Australia’s international standing?

Nikki Gemmell is a beloved Australian writer, whose sharp and beautifully sensitive eye has navigated the cultural and social landscape of our nation for the past couple of decades. Author of 17 books, her international acclaim includes French nomination as one of the 50 most important writers in the world. For BroadTalkers Nikki’s weekly column in The Australian Magazine is a must read: balm for the soul!

Jess Hill is a multi-award winning journalist, perhaps best known for her powerful, investigative work on gendered violence. Her Stella Prize winning book, ‘See What You Made Me Do’, was developed into a compelling documentary series for SBS. Jess has also worked at the ABC and previously as a middle east correspondent at the Global Mail.

Carol Schwartz AO is one of Australia’s most dynamic business and community leaders with a diverse career across property, the arts, finance, investment, entrepreneurship, government and health. She holds numerous board positions, including a seat on the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Trawalla Group and is Chair of EQT Holdings. A passionate advocate for gender equality and women in leadership, Carol spearheaded the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, and has catalysed a range of initiatives to grow the critical mass of women in politics, business and the media, including the very successful program Pathway to Politics.

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