Ten years ago, we began the work of Next25 (then Australian Futures Project) out of frustration, curiosity, and optimism. Frustration that a smart and rich nation had thrown so many important issues in the too-hard basket. Curiosity about whether there was a common diagnosis of the root causes and a clear set of priorities to fix an apparently broken future-making system. And optimism that influential Australians in all walks of life could and would take positive steps to fix it and keep it fit for purpose.
In the early years, our Executive Director Ralph met with over one thousand leaders, experts, and opinion-makers in all sectors around Australia. Everyone was frustrated that Australia was dropping the ball. A wealthy nation with boundless opportunity was squandering its future success.
With today’s launch of Next25 Navigator, we now have for the first time a clear picture of what the public believes is in the public interest, of the future Australia wants.
One part of Navigator is the Public Interest Index, a new national assessment of how well politicians and five other institutions act in the public interest. This year, the Index is just 31/100.
This is a wake-up call for government (politicians and the public service), business, and the media, as well as leaders in all sectors – in fact for all Australians. The system is broken. There is a dangerous disconnect between those in power who make choices for Australians and the people they serve.
Thanks to Navigator, we know where the biggest gaps are. The public has set out the priority to-do list for Australia’s leaders and anyone wanting to act in the public interest. It’s time to focus on the most important aspirations where the country is tracking the worst.
Australia cannot accept the current dire situation laid bare by the research summarised in this report — where institutions are failing the Australian public, where so many people in Australia feel powerless, where vested interest trumps the public interest.
We are watching. With our annual release of Navigator, we will have an ongoing assessment of politicians and other key institutions. Anyone with our data can watch too and hold the powerful accountable. The public has spoken and there is nowhere to hide.
Australia cannot waste yet another decade. It is time for our leaders and institutions to make the future Australia wants.