This book begins with great expectations. On the cover, Paul Kelly says it is the ‘voice and vision of a new generation’. On the back, Mark Latham welcomes it as ‘an excellent starting point for a new debate about where our country is heading’, and Gareth Evans praises the ‘lively analysis and sparkling writing’, lamenting that he hadn’t written it himself.
As Australians go to the polls, here is a comprehensive policy blueprint, drawing together new and old ideas based on solid research and presented with passion and conviction.
With degrees from the world’s best universities, and experience in business, both sides of politics, and the community sector, these four authors offer a smorgasbord of policy ideas on topics ranging from politics and civic engagement to social policy, economic policy, and international affairs.
This is certainly a book for policy wonks. However, it also warrants a wider audience. It may well be the most original, persuasive and intelligent policy offering during the election season, that is, if it can get a hearing above the bluff and bluster of the campaign.
Noting Australia’s strong economic performance, sporting success, envious lifestyle and high international reputation, the authors argue that Australia could be doing better. Offering a social, economic and political critique of Australia, the authors set out, ambitiously, to offer solutions to seemingly intractable policy debates and arguments.
Arguing that Australians ‘are looking for new ideas’ to advance the nation, the authors want a ‘country that conceives of its future in grander terms’. The book appeals to ‘the greater good of society’, to hope, and optimism, articulating a radical centrist political philosophy. Nobody would agree with everything in this book, but there is much grist for the policy mill.
Recognising the disillusionment with the political process and the need to increase citizen participation in public life, the authors argue for a republic, a bill of rights, regular constitutional conventions, an increased policy role for the Senate, the appointment of ministers from outside of Parliament, campaign finance reform, public-private sector job mobility, allowing the public to vote in party pre-selections, and an annual deliberation day to weigh up candidates and issues before elections.
They argue that central to their economic philosophy ‘is a belief that open, flexible and well-functioning markets are essential for strong growth’. They believe in trade liberalisation, enterprise bargaining and competitive markets. Although they are proponents of economic liberalism, they acknowledge these policies have increased inequality, damaged