Two sides of the story debating important issues.

Australia is a wonderful democratic country where we have the freedom to debate issues important to us. As active citizens we can bring about change by voicing our concerns. You do not have to wait until you are 18 for your vote to count. Get involved and become an informed citizen. The Flip Side explores some current Australian issues. While these issues are often complex, these videos are designed to kick start us into thinking, talking and forming our own opinions. Whatever your view, healthy debate is something we celebrate and encourage in Australia.

Episodes

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The Flip Side Episode 7

The Flip Side of Freedom: Rights and responsibilities

1123
2 years 2 months ago

Two Australian Human Rights Commissioners debate the need for the Racial Vilification Law 18C. This film supports the Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum and explores how laws in Australia can be created, debated and even revoked. This film will encourage students to think about the rights and responsibilities of citizens in the law making process and how the actions of the individual must be weighed up with the rights of the community. Tim Wilson and Tim Soutphommasane present the opposing views of whether this law is necessary or whe

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The Flip Side

The Flip Side of Bike Helmet Laws

6960
4 years 8 months ago

It's illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in Australia. Sue Abbott thinks it shouldn't be compulsory and that it should be up to the individual to decide if they want to wear one. But Dr Jake Olivier is a researcher who believes that mandatory helmet laws are really important for safety. Hear both points of view and decide for yourself. A great C&C resource on how laws are made, community versus personal wishes and lobbying in a democracy

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The Flip Side Episode 4

The Flip Side of Australia Day

2570
4 years 10 months ago

Australians celebrate the 26th January because it’s the day the First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove in 1788 and declared British sovereignty over the land. In this video, indigenous Australians, Ms Shelley Reys AO, and Amy McQuire, explain their views on Australia Day. A great C&C resource for indigenous perspective, cross-curricular for Australian history studies including national holidays and how they are legilsated for.

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The Flip Side Episode 4

The Flip Side of Live Animal Export

1760
4 years 11 months ago

Australian farmers send live cattle overseas on ships where they are slaughtered in abattoirs. Lisa Chalk from Animals Australia thinks this is cruel. Cattle producer Don Heatley believes for hygienic and cultural reasons the animals should be exported live. Scenes in this video may distress. It is suitable for students in Year 9/10. A C&C on how legislation can be changed by popular opinion, political debates and the role of government in them, media presentation particularly through film and its effect on popular opinions in a democracy.

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The Flip Side Episode 3

The Flip Side of Native Forest Logging

1734
4 years 11 months ago

Miranda Gibson from Still Wild Still Threatened has been living in a 60-metre tree for more than six months because she’s so passionate about stopping native forest harvesting. Brett McKay from McKay Timbers is a third generation saw miller and believes we can harvest native forests sustainably. This is the flip side of Native Forest harvesting. A great C&C resource of a very topical debate that affects jobs, the economy and looks at Federal versus State issues.

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The Flip Side Episode 2

The Flip Side of the Murray Darling Basin

2026
4 years 11 months ago

The Murray Darling Basin spans Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Meet Russell Pell, a dairy farmer whose entire livelihood relies on the water he uses from the Murray, and Sarah Nicholas, an environmentalist who is passionate about saving water. Theirs are just two views of many on this issue. A great C&C resource on the cross curricular priority sustainability.

C & C Curriculum

The Flip Side videos explore the Australian political system, principles and values, Australia’s legal system and legal processes, rights and responsibilities, role of the media, and civic identity.

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