Australia 2020 Summit

The Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd convened the Australia 2020 Summit at Parliament House on 19 and 20 April 2008 to help shape a long term strategy for the nation’s future. To do this, 1000 Australians were brought together to debate and develop long-term options for the nation, in relation to ten topics:

1. The productivity agenda – education, skills, training, science and innovation;
   View background paper (PDF – 31KB)
2. The future of the Australian economy;
   View background paper (PDF – 32KB)
3. Population, sustainability, climate change and water;
   View background paper (PDF – 777KB)
4. Future directions for rural industries and rural communities;
   View background paper (PDF – 630KB)
5. A long-term national health strategy – including the challenges of preventative health, workforce planning and the ageing population;
   View background paper (PDF – 314KB)
6. Strengthening communities, supporting families and social inclusion;
   View background paper (PDF – 305KB)
7. Options for the future of Indigenous Australia;
   View background paper (PDF – 182KB)
8. Towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design;
   View background paper (PDF – 194KB)
9. The future of Australian governance: renewed democracy, a more open government (including the role of the media), the structure of the Federation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens; and
   View background paper (PDF – 260KB)
10. Australia’s future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world.
    View background paper (PDF – 650KB)

The stream ‘Options for the future of Indigenous Australia’ was co-chaired by dr Jackie Huggins AM and the Hon Jenny Macklin MP.
View information
A summary of the discussion and top ideas of this session are available in the Initial Report (pages 26-28.
The priority themes of this stream were:

• Increased formal recognition of Australia’s Indigenous peoples;
• New accountability structures for governments and service delivery arrangements in Indigenous affairs;
• Renewed focus on Indigenous children and their families;
• “Close the gap” in all areas;
• Cultural identity and racism.

In the lead-up to the conference, a Youth Summit was held on 12 and 13 April 2008. The vision and key ideas developed here have been compiled in a youth communique, which was previded to all delegates of the 2020 Summit.
View Youth Communique (PDF – 122KB)

The Initial Report from the 2020 Summit was presented to the Prime Minister after the final session on Sunday 20 April, and sets out the key results of the Summit discussions.
View initial report (PDF – 1.0MB – large file warning!)
View initial report (Word Doc – 2.6MB – large file warning!)

A more complete record of the Summit will be available in May. This record will include:

• A more formal and detailed record of all the discussion sessions, picking up on the range of ideas put forward;
• Overviews of the preliminary Summit events, including the Youth Summit, local summits and schools summit;
• A strategic overview of the ideas raised in the public submission.

The Prime Minister announced that he would like to continue the “national conversation” through the Australia 2020 website. A new website will be developed, to provide the option to submit ideas and submissions, which will replace the current 2020 Summit website and be available by 7 May 2008.

• Further information:
  • 2020 summit coverage
    View ABC News summit coverage
  • Indigenous leader calls for 2020 action
    View ABC media release (21 April 2008)
  • 2020 Indigenous youth delegate calls for national body
    View ABC media release (19 April 2008)
  • Submissions for the 2020 Summit
    View submissions (by topic)
• Contact details:
  • Australia 2020 Summit Secretariat, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 1 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, ph: 1800 703 599 (toll free – during business hours Eastern Standard Time), website: www.australia2020.gov.au