MelbourneNorg

2020 Summit open for nominations

Nominations are now open to the Australia 2020 summit to be a member of one of the groups to discuss what the Rudd Government has identified as 10 critical areas.

It’s hard not be a bit cynical that the summit is in danger of becoming an empty talkfest by a bunch of academics and celebrities. I love Cate Blanchett, she’s a great actor, but really where is her real world experience?

Add to that the fact that you have to pay your own way and you start to wonder exactly how well real people are going to be represented.

Anyway, to make sure we get something valuable out of it and if you feel you have something wort while contributing you have until February 25 to nominate.

You can still put in a submission if you can’t attend or are not selected – this need to be in April 9.

The nomination process involves writing in 100 words or less why you think you should go – as Stilgherrian points out – It’s a wee bit like TV week competition.

Selection is then made by a 10-person panel "independent non-government Steering Committee."

Areas covered are:

• Australian Economy - future directions for the Australian economy – including education, skills, training, science and innovation as part of the nation’s productivity agenda
• Infrastructure - economic infrastructure, the digital economy and the future of our cities
• Sustainability and Climate Change - population, sustainability, climate change and water
• Rural Australia - future directions for rural industries and rural communities
• Health - a long-term national health strategy – including the challenges of preventative health, workforce planning and the ageing population
• Communities and Families - strengthening communities, supporting families and social inclusion
• Indigenous Australia - options for the future of Indigenous Australia
• Creative Australia - towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design
• Governance - 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
• Australia's Future in the World - Australia’s future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world.

If you want to get involved go here. Good Luck!

Oh and looks like you can't submit forms electronically, just be aware of that if you don't want to miss the deadline.