Kevin Rudd’s Opening Address to the 2020 Summit
Apr 19, 2008
This is the text of Kevin Rudd’s Address Opening the 2020 Summit in Canberra.
Australians one, Australians all.
I too begin by acknowledging the first peoples of our nation.
Just as I welcome all of you to this, the nation’s capital, to this, the nation’s Parliament.
To this, the great meeting place of our common democracy, Australia.
The place from which we your elected representatives seek to navigate our nation’s future.
Today we are trying to do something new.
Today we are throwing open the windows of our democracy, to let a little bit of fresh air in.
Rather than pretending that we the politicians of Australia have all the answers, and the truth is, we don’t, we are turning now to you, the people of Australia. [Read more...]
Business Council Calls For New Commonwealth-States Contract
Oct 28, 2006
The Business Council of Australia has released a report proposing reforms to the Australian federal system.
The BCA says in the report: “In the past, the debate has been mainly framed around political and constitutional reasons for change. The extent of the problems and dysfunctions of the current system of federal–state relations – marked by a lack of consensus on national goals and consistent forward planning – is such that it has become a major barrier to future prosperity. The challenge of reforming federalism has now become an economic imperative. Currently, Australia has a system where the lines of responsibilities between the Commonwealth and the states have become chronically blurred and confused. We have a system in which, because of a growing lack of transparency and accountability, the quantity of government has taken precedence over quality.
“As the world becomes more complex and increasingly requires decision making that anticipates rather than reacts to 21st-century challenges, Australia needs a system of government that can manage issues critical to the future of the nation through collaboration and cooperation. It is time for a new contract between the Commonwealth and the States.”
The Business Council of Australia represents the Chief Executives of 100 of Australia’s largest companies.
BCA Booklet: Reshaping Australia’s Federation
Oct 28, 2006
The Business Council of Australia has issued a study of Australia’s Federation and proposed a 12-point plan of action.
The BCA represents the Chief Executives of 100 of Australia’s “leading”, or largest, companies.
The booklet, entitled Reshaping Australia’s Federation: A New Contract For Federal-State Relations, comprises: [Read more...]
