The Planetary Health Equity Hothouse presents the documentary Purpose - A Wellbeing Economies Film.
Martin Oetting, the documentary director, embarked on this "economic" journey because of a few "simple" questions he had: "The global multi-crisis is accelerating, it affects all aspects of our lives: democracy, climate, biodiversity, migration, justice, equality, institutions, farming … And yet, there is no mainstream debate about the issue at the core of many — if not all — of these problems: our economies. How they function, what they deliver and how they are designed is not really part of our public conversation. No one seems to be working on a viable political alternative. Or maybe some people are? And we have just not been paying attention?"
The film follows two individuals — Katherine Trebeck and Lorenzo Fioramonti — who develop ground-breaking political projects in order to shift our economic systems — away from endless GDP growth, towards what really matters for people and planet. They envision a world in which we no longer serve the economy, but the economy serves us.
The film will be complemented by a panel discussion with one of the protagonists, Katherine Trebeck. The event is in-person only.
If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email hothouse@anu.edu.au.
Event Speakers
Katherine Trebeck
Katherine is a political economist, writer and advocate for economic system change. Her roles include writer-at-large and co-director of the Compassion in Financial Services hub at the University of Edinburgh, Economic Change Lead for The Next Economy, and Strategic Advisor for the Centre for Policy Development. Katherine co-founded the Wellbeing Economy Alliance.
Thomas Emerson
Thomas is a proud Canberran with a passion for cultivating healthy communities. In early 2024, he co-founded Independents for Canberra with the goal of bringing the community independent movement to the ACT Legislative Assembly. In October the same year, he was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly. Thomas is passionate about intergenerational wellbeing, sustainability and equity.
Aoibhinn Crimmins
Aoibhinn is a passionate young advocate for climate and social justice. She has recently graduated from ANU, and now works as a campaigner at the ACT Conservation Council and Project Officer at SEE Change. Since 2019, Aoibhinn has had a leading role within the Australian School Strike 4 Climate movement, and more recently within Rising Tide.
Chelsea Hunnisett
Chelsea is a Laureate PhD Candidate and Government Relations Specialist at the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse. Chelsea's research focuses on planetary health equity metrics within Australia's approach to the wellbeing economy. Chelsea is an experienced policy, advocacy and government relations specialist with expertise in planetary health, food and preventive health policy.