Our Common Wealth

Behind the day to day tussles over specific reform agendas, there is always a deeper and more fundamental struggle, where every debate about solutions to long-term unemployment is also a debate about human nature; every debate about poverty alleviation is also a debate about what constitutes an acceptable level of inequality; and every debate about the level of social spending is also a debate about whether there is such a thing as society, and, if so, what a good one would look like. The discussion paper, Reclaiming our Common Wealth makes a case for reconnecting public policies to shared values and openly stated principles. Future papers and articles will present brief, accessible summaries of the principles neglected in current government policies, and explain their implications for policy makers.

Thinking Points on Our Common Wealth

August 26, 2010
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Why A Sustainable Australia Needs Multiculturalism

The debate about a sustainable population for Australia only makes sense if it involves all Australians – as citizens, as producers, and as consumers. So the debate has to make sure everyone feels they have a stake and their input is respected; not only the middle aged, middle class, male and generally, writes Andrew Jakubowicz more…

August 19, 2010
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Changing The Conversation

All parties have in common a failure to frame climate change as a “wicked problem”. Fostering an emotion of hope is the only way to truly move forward, writes Ray Ison more…

August 19, 2010
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Where Are The Policies For Women?

We’ve heard a lot in this election about paid parental leave — but how well do the policies of the Australian Labor Party, the Coalition, and the Greens meet the broader needs of women? While there has been progress, there is still much work to be done, writes guest poster Emma Davidson more…

Publications on Our Common Wealth

Tax: A Broader Mission

Are we asking our tax and transfer systems to do too much? Ian McAuley believes we have been trying to use transfer payments to compensate for our economy’s inability to provide enough well-paying jobs – a strategy that can only last so long. more…

Reclaiming Our Common Wealth

Calling on all Australian politicians to re-think the way they develop public policy, Reclaiming our Common Wealth argues that the short-term thinking of the election cycle is damaging Australia's long-term interests. We need a new approach to policy development based on consistent principles, underpinned by enduring values. more…