Steven J Phipps

The Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania is excited to be hosting ABC journalist Lucie Cutting for a very special dinner on the evening of 24 July. Lucie will discuss her reporting on the history of the Tasmania-Japan relationship, including the film Tasmania Story.

Registrations: lnkd.in/gASvWHpH

Angela Merkel’s career shows why we need more scientists in politics Only 7% of Australia’s federal MPs have backgrounds in science. What would it look like if they were a majority?

With all the challenges that the world faces, it's more important than ever that scientists get involved in the political process. We need decision-makers that take an objective and empirical approach, that build collaboration and that take a long-term perspective.

Power & Partnership: What will Tasmania's next power-sharing parliament look like?

With declining support for the major parties, minority government is the new normal in Tasmania. This event, organised by @australiainstitute.org.au, promises to be a fascinating discussion of how we can make this happen.

During the coming weeks, I look forward to getting out there and meeting as many of you as I can. I want to hear what you want the Tasmanian Parliament to do for you.

If elected, I will work openly and constructively with all members of the parliament to tackle the many challenges that Tasmania faces – including education, healthcare, housing and transport.

I’m running as an independent candidate so that I can be free to listen to the needs of the community. I want to be able to consider the full range of opinions on every issue, weigh up the evidence and then make the best possible decisions.

I’m proud to announce that I’m putting my hand up for the Tasmanian Parliament.

We need more scientists to get involved in politics. We need people who will bring a collaborative, evidence-based approach to the political process, working together to find practical solutions to problems.

Happy solstice everyone!

We'll be holding our monthly Japanese-English language exchange session from 2pm on Saturday 5 July, at the State Cinema in North Hobart. Everyone is welcome, so please feel free to join us even if you're a complete beginner!

Further information: www.facebook.com/events/12439...

The Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania was delighted to welcome His Excellency Dr Siswo Pramono, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Australia, this afternoon. Ambassador Pramono spoke on Australia-Indonesia relations, including collaboration on the energy transition.

The 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival was thrilled to welcome back their friends from Japan. Their work sparked curiosity, inspired connection, and invited all ages to experience the precision and poetry of Japanese woodworking craft.

Gallery: australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/2025-japanes...

In times of war and crisis, who’s protecting the most vulnerable? Hear from experts on the front lines of humanitarian protection. In a world increasingly defined by protracted crises and mass displacement, the urgent need to protect the safety, dignity and rights of vulnerable populations has never been more pressing. This year’...

For online attendance, please register here.

Safeguarding the Vulnerable in Conflict How can we protect the vulnerable in crisis? Two experts unpack the challenges of safeguarding dignity in conflict at the Red Cross Oration. Tickets are free.

The 2025 Red Cross Oration will tackle the challenges faced by individuals displaced by violence, the protection of human dignity under extreme circumstances, and the evolving role of global institutions.

When: Wednesday 4 June, 6-7.30pm
Where: University of Tasmania, Hobart and online

Even as emissions level off, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is growing faster than ever. Here’s why Atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are surging, even as emissions level out. Natural carbon sinks are showing signs of faltering as we continue to emit CO₂.

For decades, scientists have been using the Kennaook/Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station in Tasmania to monitor baseline changes in atmospheric gases. The location was chosen because air here has travelled hundreds of kilometres over the ocean in an area unaffected by local pollution.

3 June: An evening with Melanie Harris, Head of Indigenous Engagement & Export, Austrade. | Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania Join us in-person with Melanie Harris, Head of Indigenous Engagement & Export at Austrade. Melanie will share lessons from her journey as Australia first female Indigenous Trade & Investment C...

Please join the Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania for an evening with Melanie Harris. She will share lessons from her journey as Australia's first female Indigenous Trade & Investment Commissioner, from a small town in coastal NSW to the international metropolis of Kuala Lumpur.

I was impressed to see so many start-up companies finding innovative ways to create a healthier and more sustainable society - from flying cars to 3D printed food and everything in between!

It's great to be back in Japan again, starting with a visit to SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025.

Our two countries share a strong and unique bond, based on common values and deep natural affinities. During the years ahead, I look forward to continuing to build bridges and to bringing people together.

My congratulations to everyone whose efforts have been recognised in the 2025 Spring Honours.

I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Government of Japan.

Over the past decade, it’s been my enormous privilege to do whatever I can to promote mutual understanding and to further the relationship between Japan and Australia.

Please join us at the State Cinema Cafe from 2pm on Saturday 10 May for our monthly Japanese-English language exchange session. Everyone welcome!

Further information and RSVPs: www.facebook.com/events/17545...

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The 2025 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture by Professor Rory Medcalf. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. This year’s Sir James Plimsoll lecture will be delivered by one of Australia’s most respected voices on international strategy and security, Professor Rory Medcalf AM. With a career bridging diplomacy...

For online attendance, please register here.

The 2025 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture by Professor Rory Medcalf What’s next for Australia in a shifting world? Find out with Professor Rory Medcalf at the 2025 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture – 6pm, 22 May.

This year’s Sir James Plimsoll Lecture will be delivered by one of Australia’s most respected voices on international strategy and security, Professor Rory Medcalf AM.

When: Thursday 22 May, 6-7.30pm
Where: University of Tasmania, Hobart and online

Australia’s mini and micro-parties: how to avoid a vote you might regret in the Senate Behind unassuming names lurk parties with some hair-raising and eccentric views. And others that are pretty much what they say they are

Behind unassuming names lurk parties with some hair-raising and eccentric views. And others that are pretty much what they say they are.

I was honoured to represent Australian Red Cross at this morning's Anzac Day Dawn Service at Kingston Beach. Lest we forget.

Dr Emerald L King spoke at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts today, on the subject of "How to appropriate appropriately - kimono and Japonaiserie". Afterwards, we enjoyed a viewing of 15 Japanese prints and watercolours that form part of the Allport’s historical fine art collection.

The crew of Magellan, Richard and Megan Grant, deserve special mention as they are the first father and daughter team to compete. They finished only minutes ahead of the Queensland boat Fika, which was crewed by the first mother and daughter team to compete (Annette Hesselman and Sophie Snijders).

Congratulations to the crews of Alive and Magellan, who crossed the finishing line in Osaka at 2.18pm yesterday afternoon (Alive) and 5.54am this morning (Magellan). All three Tasmanian boats have now completed the race.

This 96-year-old Tokyo chef has spent his entire life perfecting just one dish In Japan, it's called "shokunin", and it might be the reason why Tokyo is now the world's culinary capital.

"The ability to produce such wonderful things is the soul of the Japanese people or, as we often say in cooking, 'the battle without an end' or 'the spirit of no compromise'."

"The Japanese have such a spirit, which happens to be concentrated in Tokyo."

Foreign Correspondent: Series 2025 Tasting Tokyo - Japan Tokyo has become the number one destination for food lovers with more Michelin star restaurants than its nearest rival Paris. As record tourists numbers visit Japan, Tokyo's top chefs unveil the secre...

Now on ABC iview: Tasting Tokyo on Foreign Correspondent.

Tokyo has become the number one destination for food lovers with more Michelin star restaurants than its nearest rival Paris. As record tourists numbers visit Japan, Tokyo's top chefs unveil the secrets behind their success.

Global Business Poll: Powering Up Business perspectives on shifting to renewable electricity across 15 countries

A global poll of business executives shows that 97% support a transition towards renewable electricity.

In Australia, 60% of executives identify the creation of new jobs as being a primary benefit of the transition to renewable energy.

Full report: powering-up-business-poll.com/wp-content/u...