Torok, S: Securing Australia's Future

The future will bring change for Australia. But whether that change is for the better or worse largely depends on the decisions we make today as individuals and as a nation. Recognizing rapid changes in the global economy, environment and policy, the Australian Government engaged the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to undertake detailed interdisciplinary research to help guide Australian thinking and policy decisions. Dozens of Australia's finest minds assessed the opportunities available to us globally and domestically, charting a course for the future. The resulting findings can prepare Australia to address the challenges ahead and make the most of the opportunities.

Securing Australia's Future synthesizes the major themes that emerge from ACOLA's reports. The chapters examine Australia's strengths, education, productivity and innovation, engagement with Asia, energy, and the environment. Each chapter includes key findings designed to optimize Australia's prosperity and place in the region.

The future is a long game but its base must be built now. This book provides a vision for the nation, for its politicians, public servants, and industry leaders - a sound footing for securing Australia's future.

This title is a vital resource for Members of Federal and State parliaments, senior public servants, industry leaders, universities, and the interested public.

Features:

* Synthesizes interdisciplinary research from Australia's top science, technology, engineering, social science, and humanities researchers

* Presents key findings for Australia's future on topical issues such as engaging with Asia, boosting productivity and innovation, improving education, and working towards sustainability

* Provides concise and helpful summaries of each of ACOLA's Securing Australia's Future reports as appendices.

Simon and Paul are Directors of the science and environment communication company Scientell. They have together co-authored 19 popular books on science, technology, and climate change published by ABC Books, CSIRO Publishing, Oxford University Press, and Pan Macmillan, several of which have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Hungarian.