Explore the 2026 Program

Barrie Cassidy and Friends: State of the Nation

The substance behind the spin with Australia’s leading political journalists

Barrie Cassidy
Waleed Aly
Sean Kelly (Photo credit Tim Herbert)
Amy Remeikis
Niki Savva
Saturday 23 May 2026
3.15-4.30pm
Event Code: 103
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The mainstay event in the Sydney Writers’ Festival program and the Australian political calendar returns.

Festival favourite and renowned political analyst Barrie Cassidy returns with his professional pals to review a year of international negotiations, widespread protest, renewed economic and environmental crises and a slew of new policy decisions.

Get the experts’ opinions with writer and broadcaster Waleed Aly, award-winning columnist Sean Kelly, Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute Amy Remeikis and acclaimed political writer Niki Savva. In conversation with host Barrie Cassidy.
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Sydney Town Hall
483 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000