Past Programs
Government - Programs and Initiatives - 2008
Education revolution
28/10/2008
The Rudd government says it's committed to establishing Australia as one of the world's most highly educated and skilled nations. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the promised education revolution marks the first time all states and territories have committed to a national program to improve our education system from pre-school to upper secondary.
If you compare the performance of Australian schools with other countries in the OECD between 2003 and 2006, Australia declined in both absolute and relative terms in reading literacy. Over the past six years there has been no improvement in the percentage of Australian students who are less than proficient at maths.
In response, the government has promised report cards for schools, a computer for every student and incentives to encourage the best and brightest to pursue teaching as a career path. So are these measures revolutionary? What does it take to make a real difference in our classrooms?
Infrastructure
08/10/2008
According to Kevin Rudd projects for the 20 billion dollar infrastructure fund will be assessed using transparent criteria and projects with social and environmental benefits will have priority over those which are merely productivity-boosters. However the opposition fears that the scheme would be used as a slush fund for Labor's electoral prospects in the states.
Is a federal effort to improve our infrastructure overdue - have we even left it too late? What projects do you consider have priority? What would be on your 20 billion dollar shopping list?
Child protection
30/06/2008
The Australian Childhood Foundation wants authorities to rethink the way they deal with child neglect. The death of 18-month-old twins in Queensland followed by the discovery of two other alleged neglect cases have prompted the usual criticism of child protection agencies. But according to the Childhood Foundation it's not about more welfare and family support, it's about recognising early that neglect is a crime. At the same time there are new calls for a national approach to child protection. This follows the deaths of three young children and their father in regional New South Wales. Their bodies were found in a parked car in a comunity west of Eden. The Federal Government is promising a national strategy for child protection that it says will co-ordinate state services and resources. So how is the welfare community responding?
Disability services
03/06/2008
One in five Australians live with a disability of some kind. Currently, a range of disability reviews and projects are underway.
Federal and state governments have agreed on a cooperative overhaul of the Commonwealth State Territories Disability Agreement -- re-negotiating the funding of services for disabled people. The funding should be increased by 1.9 billion dollars. But is that enough and will it end the blame game between the public agencies?
A new National Disability Strategy of 7.7 million dollars over four years is intended to tackle the complex needs of disabled people and their carers. Is it a positive development for those affected?
What services do disabled people need and how can we provide them?
Australia Talks and the Australia 2020 Summit - How do we innovate?
14/04/2008
In the first of our programs leading up to the Australia 2020 Summit, we focus on the economy and sustainability. Underlying these issues is the question of Australia's capability for innovation. Do we need to innovate to meet the challenges of energy production, for example? We're picking up on some of the key questions posed by the Australia 2020 summit and we'll be joined by two of the co-chairs to listen and respond to YOUR ideas on the topic of the day. This is your chance to contribute to this national forum.
How does an economy with low private investment in research and development innovate?
Is Australia in a position to respond to the challenges and opportunities that we know about?
Are current regulatory regimes the best to respond to future challenges and opportunities?
What can be done to foster innovation in the workplace and encourage the transfer of ideas across businesses?
South Australian callers ring from 5.40pm local time to overcome the delay.
Consult the Australia 2020 summit link below for background documents on today's topic.
Energy privatisation
05/02/2008
South Australia, Victoria and Queensland have all privatised at least part of their electricity industries already, and NSW is due to join them later this year. Critics say handing over the provision of essential services like electricity leads to price hikes and blackouts. Energy companies disagree, and say that competition means better service and cheaper prices. So who should we believe? Can companies deliver shareholder profits and affordable electricity?
Should essential services be privatised or kept in public hands?
