Australia 2020 Summit - Australia's future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world

Here are "Australia's future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world" items accepted by the Australian Government in its "Responding to the Australia 2020 Summit" on 22 April 2009:

Australia faces an increasingly complex and interconnected international environment. Globalisation has greatly benefited Australia and our economy has experienced sustained prosperity notwithstanding recent challenges such as the global financial crisis. However, globalisation has also resulted in exposure to a broader range of challenges. The Government is committed to addressing these challenges, including those posed by a global economy suffering the impacts of the financial crisis, climate change, terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the potential spread of pandemic disease, people smuggling and narcotics trafficking. These are complex matters with far-reaching implications and the Government is committed to taking a collaborative approach in developing global solutions to these issues.

By 2020, the population of the Asia Pacific region will comprise around 60 per cent of the world's total. Ensuring stability and prosperity in our region is important for both humanitarian reasons and for Australia's security, in terms of protecting our borders and preserving our economic prosperity. The management of Australia's relationships with the United States, Japan, China, Indonesia, India and Europe are critical to ensure the security of the nation.

This new landscape will require new techniques and partnerships. To exercise international influence and tackle emerging challenges will require a new form of "middle power" diplomacy.

The Security Stream at the 2020 Summit developed a range of ideas to address Australia's role in the international landscape. The key themes raised included a concerted campaign to improve our familiarity with Asia, new partnerships and strategies within the Pacific region, greater international engagement and the importance of non-military security issues. Trade and energy security were also discussed. Ideas relating to Australia in a global context were also raised by the Productivity, Communities and Health Streams.

The Security Stream developed a broad range of ambitions, themes and ideas that have influenced and guided the Government's policy in this area, such as:

• National Security Statement - The Prime Minister presented Australia's inaugural National Security Statement to Parliament on 4 December 2008. This Statement outlined the Government's national security policy. It described the scope of national security, Australia's national security interests, principles and priorities, and outlined the Government's vision for a reformed national security structure.

• Deployable Civilian Capacity - The Government has agreed to develop a policy framework to enable rapid deployment of civilian experts to assist in international disaster relief, stabilisation and post conflict reconstruction efforts. An inter-agency task force is being led by AusAID to undertake this work. Once established, a national deployable civilian capacity will allow more rapid and early delivery of stabilisation and recovery assistance to countries that experience conflict or natural disaster. The program will be sufficiently adaptable to allow Australia to tailor its response to a particular event or emergency and will improve Australia's integration into multilateral reconstruction and stabilisation operations.

• Maritime Security Enforcement - On 4 December 2008 the Prime Minister announced that the Government would augment the Australian Customs Service (ACS) to give it the capability to comprehensively work to deter people smuggling throughout the operating pipeline from source countries to our shores. As part of the changes the ACS has been re-named the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. The Government has reviewed aspects of Australia's maritime security enforcement effort and continues to consider opportunities for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of our strategic approach to maritime security.

• The Prime Minister's Australia Asia Endeavour Awards - The Government is making a substantial new investment of $14.9 million to facilitate the best and brightest students from Asia and the Pacific in having closer ties to Australia and for Australians to have closer ties in these countries. The Government will support academic scholarships for university students from Australia and Asia, including the expansion of capacity building and leadership scholarships for Asia Pacific students to study in Australia. These initiatives aim to build deep and enduring linkages with our Asia Pacific neighbours. This will have long term benefits for trade, security and development goals, as well as enriching all our cultures.

• National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program - Incorporating a better understanding of Asia into Australian society is critical to enhancing Australia's engagement with the Asia Pacific region. To increase our Asian language capabilities, the Government is investing $62.4 million in the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP). The NALSSP commenced on 1 January 2009 and provides opportunities for school students to become familiar with the languages and cultures of Australia's Asian neighbours - China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

• Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre for Excellence - The Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence was opened by the Prime Minister on 27 November 2008. The centre will improve the effectiveness of Australian civilian and military collaboration to prevent, mitigate and respond to the impact of natural disasters and conflicts in the Asia Pacific region. The centre will support Australian Government agencies to strengthen civil-military collaboration through research, and the development of training and doctrine.

• Pacific Partnerships for Development - The Government has committed to negotiating Pacific Partnerships for Development with our Pacific partners to make more rapid progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The Prime Minister signed the first two partnerships with Papua New Guinea and Samoa at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Niue in August 2008. Further partnerships were signed with Solomon Islands and Kiribati in January 2009.

The following tables provide the Government's response to the ideas raised by the Security Stream at the 2020 Summit.

Key ideas being taken forward by the Government

Topic	2020 proposed ideas	Government response
International Security - Creative Middle Power Diplomacy	Adopt a new approach using 'smart power' to address food, water and energy security issues in collaboration with our neighbours.	Agree. As noted in the Prime Minister's National Security Statement of 4 December 2008, it is important that our national security be advanced through creative middle power diplomacy. This is an active foreign policy that is capable of identifying opportunities to promote our security; to prevent, reduce or delay the emergence of national security challenges; and to position Australia to take advantage of international developments.
International Security - Collective Security	Strengthen collective security.	Agree. The Government is working to strengthen international security though close engagement with its allies and other partners, including through the United Nations. In March 2008, the Prime Minister announced Australia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2013-14, which will enable Australia to take a more active role in addressing global security challenges.
International Security - UN Peace-building Commission	Support the UN Peace-Building Commission.	Agree. To date Australia has contributed $2 million to the Commission's Peace Building Fund, with an additional $1 million being contributed in early 2009.
International Security - Preventive Diplomacy	Use preventative diplomacy.	Agree. Australia actively engages in 'regional preventative diplomacy' as evidenced by its assistance to East Timor and the Solomon Islands. Australia also supports the United Nations Secretary-General's proposals to strengthen the UN Department of Political Affairs, focusing on conflict prevention and mediation activities undertaken by African regional organisations.
International Security - Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament	Properly resourced nuclear disarmament diplomacy built on regional cooperation on nuclear expertise and non-proliferation, including the appointment of an Ambassador for Disarmament.	Agree. An International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND) has been created as a joint initiative of the Australian and Japanese Governments. The Commission aims to reinvigorate international efforts on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament in the context of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference and beyond. Australia's Permanent representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva is the Ambassador for Disarmament. In addition, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation has strong regional nuclear cooperation links through a number of forums.
International Security - Peace-Building	Create deeper institutional engagement with a view to state and peace-building.	Agree. Australia works with partner governments, local institutions, non-government organisations, other donors and multilateral institutions to strengthen peace and state building programs in partner countries. At a global level, Australia undertakes these activities through UN agencies and academic and research institutions. The newly established Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence will enhance Australia's institutional capacity to engage and coordinate with regional institutions to respond to causes of instability and build peace and security.
Regional Security - Deployable Civilian Capacity	Establish a deployable public service that will be able to more rapidly and effectively deliver development assistance.	Agree. The Government has agreed to develop a policy framework to enable rapid deployment of civilian experts to assist in international disaster relief, stabilisation and post conflict reconstruction efforts. An inter-agency task force is being led by AusAID to Undertake this work. Once established, a national deployable civilian capacity will allow more rapid and early delivery of stabilisation and recovery assistance to countries that experience conflict or natural disaster. The program reflects many of the ideas discussed at 2020, and also at the Youth Summit, and will be sufficiently adaptable to allow Australia to tailor our response to a particular event or emergency. It will also improve Australia's integration into multilateral reconstruction and stabilisation operations.
Regional Security - Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence	Establish an Australia-Japan regional peacekeeping centre and establish civil-defence partnerships.	Agree in-principle. The Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence (APCM COE) was opened by the Prime Minister on 27 November 2008. The centre will enhance the effectiveness of Australian civilian and military collaboration to prevent, mitigate and respond to the impact of natural disasters and conflicts in the Asia Pacific region. The Government intends the APCM COE to be the Australian centre for the international exchange of doctrine on peacekeeping practice. The Government will seek formal links between the APCM COE and the relevant Japanese institutions involved in peacekeeping.
National Security - Government Response to the Smith Review, National Security Committee	New research and analytical capabilities are required on non-traditional security threats.	Agree. The Government announced its National Security Statement and response to the Homeland and Border Security Review on 4 December 2008. The National Security Statement reinforced the importance of the Government's role in research and capability development activities that reach beyond counter-terrorism into other areas of national security. Research and development capabilities across the spectrum of national security challenges will be addressed through the development of the National Security Science and Innovation Strategy. The International Strategy Unit within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, which was established in October 2008, is regularly tasked to examine non-traditional security issues and their implications for policy.

National Security - Information and Intelligence Data Sharing	The National Security Committee of Cabinet should exercise leadership to push for meaningful, real information and intelligence data sharing between policing and intelligence agencies.	Agree. The National Security Statement outlined the establishment of a National Intelligence Coordination Committee (NICC). This committee will ensure that Australia's national intelligence effort is fully and effectively integrated with all relevant agencies and activities. The National Security Advisor, supported by the National Security Chief Information Officer and in consultation with other relevant agencies, will address the legislative, technical and cultural barriers to the sharing of national security information. This idea was also raised as an issue in the 2004 Flood Inquiry into Australian Intelligence Agencies. The Government is currently making a number of improvements as a result of the outcomes of the Street Review of interoperability between the AFP and its national security partners.
Pacific Development - Pacific Partnership for Development	A number of ideas were raised regarding development and social exchange initiatives with the Pacific, including: A partnership for development initiative to achieve priority Millennium Development Goals through sustainable business, academic, community and government linkages Encouraging greater exchange of professionals and public servants and the exchange of information on approaches to tackle climate change and food security The use of modern IT technologies to foster closer ties and address mutual challenges Integrate policies and agencies' efforts to fast-track clean energy development and deployment, informed by a coherent plan.	Agree. The Pacific Partnerships for Development initiative launched by the Prime Minister in March 2008 commits Australia and our Pacific partners to make more rapid progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The first two partnerships with Papua New Guinea and Samoa were signed at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in August 2008. In January 2009, partnerships were signed with Solomon Islands and Kiribati. Partnerships for Development are being progressively established with other Pacific Island countries. The Pacific Islands Forum will be held in Cairns in the first week of August 2009, continuing partnership-building in the Pacific region. Additionally in the 2008-09 Budget, the Government allocated $107 million over four years to increase Australia's support for Pacific public sector training and capacity building. Business and community links will be significantly advanced through the development of a Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme and consultations on a regional economic integration agreement (PACER plus). In addition, the Government actively supports the Business for Millennium Development (B4MD), which partners with Australian business to reduce poverty in the Asia Pacific region. Through AusAID, the Government is participating in the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility, which aims to develop and maintain critical economic infrastructure and make progress against the Millennium Development Goals in the Pacific. The Government is also providing assistance for Pacific countries in developing climate change expertise. The Government is considering further initiatives to support training opportunities for Pacific public servants and increased links with Pacific officials and programs.
Pacific Development - Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme Also raised by: Rural Productivity	Establish a workforce and skills program that enables foreign workers to come to remote, rural and regional Australia for up to two years, to work under an Australian industry instrument. Develop links with Australia's overseas aid programs to offer aid recipients work opportunities in Australia as an opportunity to develop skills, earn wages to support their family and community and promote cross-cultural understanding. The scheme would also offer Australian employers the capacity to fill jobs. A rights-based labour mobility initiative for South West Pacific, including East Timor.	Agree. The Government announced the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme on 17 August 2008. This three year scheme will examine the viability of a seasonal worker program, with a focus on the horticulture industry. The Government is conducting the pilot to examine whether a seasonal worker program could contribute to regional economic development objectives and also assist Australian employers.
International Trade - Reducing Barriers to Trade	Build stronger linkages, breaking down the practical barriers that limit trade, and work towards creating a seamless single market across the Pacific islands, New Zealand and Australia.	Agree. Australia already has a longstanding and comprehensive closer economic agreement with New Zealand. At the Pacific Islands Forum in August 2008, Pacific leaders agreed to a new regional economic integration agreement (PACER Plus) to be developed in 2009 and cover Pacific Island countries. The Government is also committed to promoting APEC's agenda on regional economic integration and continuing on the path towards a Free Trade Agreement of the Asia Pacific. The announcement at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in November that Australia will join the Trans Pacific Partnership initiative is an important stepping stone on this path.
Energy, Water & Food Security	Improve the analytical ability of agencies using evidence-based management systems to develop and monitor sustainability and other indicators related to energy, water and food security.	Agree. Agencies already make extensive use of available evidence-based systems. Enhanced systems are currently being established in the water and energy portfolios.
Food Security	Innovation in Australia and AusAID should help Australia's neighbours meet the challenges of food production in a world dealing with climate change.	Agree. Since May 2008, the Australian Government has committed over $100 million to food security programs in developing countries, for emergency food aid, and for agricultural and rural development. The Government has also committed to invest $150 million over three years to meet high priority climate adaptation needs in vulnerable countries in our region, including a range of issues related to food security. A comprehensive action plan for food security, which includes increased development assistance in agriculture and rural development and continued advocacy for international trade policy reform, is currently under development. The Government has made an immediate contribution of $50 million to the World Bank Global Food Crisis Trust Fund and is supplementing this with support for urgent food requirements through the World Food Programme.
International Rule of Law - General	Reaffirm our commitment to working in international institutions and to the international rule of law.	Agree. The Government is strongly committed to working with international institutions to shape coordinated responses to global challenges. The Government is also strongly committed to upholding and promoting the rule of law at an international level, including through the progressive development of international law and active participation in key international fora.
Removing Discrimination Also raised by: Economy Governance	Unleash Australian talent by removing direct and indirect discrimination, which means improving structural support, strengthening laws and creating public accountabilities beyond gender - that is, age, race and disability. Review domestic legislation for human rights impacts and compliance.	Agree in-principle. On 10 December 2008, the Commonwealth Attorney-General announced a national consultation process on human rights and responsibilities in Australia. The consultation will be conducted in 2009 by a committee comprised of Father Frank Brennan SJ AO (Chair), Ms Tammy Williams, Ms Mary Kostakidis and Mr Mick Palmer AO APM. The Government has recently taken some key steps to address issues of discrimination. For example, in July 2008, the Government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and, in December 2008, tabled a National Interest Analysis proposing that Australia accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention. The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties reported its views on 12 March 2009 and recommended that Australia accede to the Optional Protocol. In December 2008, the Government tabled draft Disability Standards to improve access to premises for persons with disabilities, and introduced legislation to implement recommendations of the Productivity Commission from 2004 to improve the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act. The states and territories also have existing programs to address issues of discrimination. Also in December 2008, the Government acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
International Rule of Law - Gender Equality	Ensure Australia's commitment to gender equality is reflected in domestic and foreign policy.	On 4 December 2008, Australia acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Government is exploring ways to improve gender equality across a range of policy areas.
International Rule of Law - Multilateral Treaty obligations	Develop multilateral treaty obligations in the areas of trade, human rights, labour and environment.	Agree in-principle. The Government has existing multilateral treaty commitments in each of these areas and is committed to developing further obligations where relevant and appropriate. Recent examples include: In December 2008, the Government acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women In July 2008, the Government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in December 2008 tabled a National Interest Analysis proposing that Australia accede to the Optional Protocol The Government is considering what steps would be required (in consultation with the states and territories) for Australia to become a party to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment The Government is pursuing vigorously an ambitious and timely conclusion to the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations The Government ratified the International Tropical Timber Agreement in September 2008.
National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP) Also raised by: Productivity Communities	Incorporate Asia literacy into Australian society to increase the knowledge of Asian and regional languages and societies to enhance Australia's global engagement and intelligence. This could be done by: Boosting the teaching of Asian languages in primary and secondary schools Mainstreaming language education Recruiting foreign language teachers from local communities and overseas Reinvigorating professional teacher training, including for native speakers and our ethnic communities Developing a comprehensive national Asia literacy strategy at all levels of the education system by 2020. This should be backed by funding at least equivalent to the former National Asian Languages and Studies Strategy for Australian Schools Ensuring by 2020 that Australia will no longer be the worst-ranked OECD country for second-language skills and that it is positioned to benefit from the economic reality of an increasingly Asia-centric world Ensuring by 2020 every child in Australia can speak a language other than English and will learn about the contribution of other cultures to Australia Ensuring that Australians directly experience Asia.	Agree in-principle. The Government has committed $62.4 million to implement the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP) over 2008-09 to 2010-11, in recognition of the importance of Asian languages and studies in equipping young Australians with the skills to compete in the globalised economy of the future. The NALSSP commenced on 1 January 2009 and provides opportunities for school student to become familiar with the languages and cultures of four of Australia's Asian neighbours, namely China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea. Through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) processes, all governments have committed to the NALSSP and an aspirational target that, by 2020, at least 12 per cent of all students exit Year 12 with a fluency in one of the target Asian languages. NALSSP focuses on increasing both student demand and teacher supply. In addition, the Government's recent Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan includes $1 billion to build up to 500 science laboratories or language learning centres in secondary schools. The second phase of the National Curriculum will also include language education.
Asia Literacy - the Prime Minister's Australia Asia Endeavour Awards Also raised by: Productivity	Link young Australians to Asian communities through support for school twinning, exchange programs, mentoring, in-country and community-based learning programs. Remove barriers to Australians studying in Asia. Develop a comprehensive national Asia literacy strategy to re-skill Australia to capitalise on opportunities in Asia. Provide university fee exemptions and other financial incentives to rebuild Asian studies in our universities.	Agree. The 2020 Summit, the Youth Summit and the Schools Summit all recognised the importance of Asia-literacy and the Government has made a commitment to delivering a new scholarship scheme: the Prime Minister's Australia Asia Endeavour Awards. This scheme will provide scholarships for the best and brightest university students from Australia and Asia. The scheme aims to build deep and enduring links with Australia's neighbours. This will have long term benefits for trade, security and development goals, as well as enriching all our cultures.
National Security - Maritime Security Enforcement	Assess Australia's maritime area to inform long term management and planning in this area.	Agree in-principle. In the inaugural National Security Statement on 4 December 2008, the Prime Minister announced that the Government would augment the Australian Customs Service (ACS) to give it the capability to comprehensively work to deter people smuggling throughout the operating pipeline from source countries to our shores. As part of the changes the ACS has been re-named the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. The Government has reviewed aspects of Australia's maritime security enforcement effort and continues to consider opportunities for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of our strategic approach to maritime security.
National Security - Local, Domestic and Community Security	Enhance local, domestic and community security as a foundation for national and global security. This can be done by: Creating a resilient and harmonious domestic community, and Rebalancing community security to support soft power and domestic security capacity.	Agree in-principle. The December 2008 National Security Statement outlined the Government's approach to achieving national security outcomes through enhanced community engagement, including through sustaining support for our forces deployed overseas, undermining the influence of violent ideologies and preserving the social cohesion of Australia's diverse society.

Australia 2020 Summit - The future of Australian governance

Here are "The future of Australian governance" items accepted by the Australian Government in its "Responding to the Australia 2020 Summit" on 22 April 2009:

Australia will face new challenges as it prepares for the future, and a new way of governing is needed to meet these challenges and help to shape the nation. The Government is enhancing cooperation and effectiveness across all levels of government, and is committed to increasing the transparency and accountability of government.

An example of the Government's new approach is the Community Cabinet process. This process has given a greater number of Australians an opportunity to meet Cabinet ministers and engage with them about important issues.

Another example is the 2020 Summit itself - a collaborative and dynamic process that brought together many people and generated many creative ideas.

The Summit's Governance Stream considered the breadth of issues relating to the future of Australia's governance. The development of a modern federation was a key theme, focusing on collaboration across all levels of government and with the community and private sectors. The Governance Stream considered that a modern Australia would include a reformed Australian Constitution that incorporates the rights and responsibilities of the Australian people.

An open, transparent and accountable government with integrity was also seen as a priority for the Governance Stream and many of the ideas were directed at achieving that objective.

The Governance Stream developed a broad range of ambitions, themes and ideas that have influenced and guided the Government's policy in this area, including:

• COAG Reform Council - The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is undertaking a wide range of major reforms to strengthen effective collaboration between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. COAG has agreed to an expanded role for the independent COAG Reform Council, which will monitor the aggregate pace of activity in progressing COAG's agreed reform agenda.

• Australian Council of Local Governments - The first meeting of the Australian Council of Local Governments (ACLG) was held on 18 November 2008, enhancing collaboration with local government. The Government is also committed to a full and frank dialogue through the ACLG on a process for moving towards the Constitutional recognition of Local Government.

• Human Rights protection - In December 2008, the Government announced a national consultation with the Australian people on how to best protect human rights. The consultation will be led by a committee, which is due to report by 31 July 2009.

• Freedom of Information Reform - The Government is undertaking broad reforms of the freedom of information system and is consulting with the public on its exposure draft legislation to improve and streamline the system.

• Community engagement and e-governance - The Government is acting to increase the community's ability to interact with the parliament and the policy development processes of government, and to make information about policy issues available online.

The following tables provide the Government's response to the ideas raised by the Governance Stream at the 2020 Summit.

Key ideas being taken forward by the Government

Topic	2020 proposed ideas	Government response
Community Cabinet	Strengthen the capacity for non-government organisations to participate - for example, through a Community Cabinet.	Agree. Community Cabinet meetings are now held throughout Australia. They are part of the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure close consultation with the Australian people on the things that concern them, whether they are national or local matters. The 2020 Summit itself was also a successful example of non-government participation in the policy process.
Community Engagement Also raised by: Communities Economy Rural	An online portal, free and searchable government information, and a space for citizens to participate and share their views - ourgov.au Establish a diverse set of community engagement mechanisms and multiple forms of participation to ensure public involvement, exploit opportunities from new technology. National platforms for various citizen groups, creation of a national online service for young people or a national platform for community radios. Establish a Commission for Participatory Democracy. Suggestion box on government department websites for community feedback (on governance) - all communications must be answered. AuSpan network - an Australian C-Span. A public digital channel with access to policy debate. An online channel for access to government information, including spending information and outcomes and providing for online parliament. A public affairs digital network by 2020, with a high proportion of international work (65 per cent), book launches, interviews, and other public affairs broadcasts. Empower citizens and communities to participate in decision-making processes - provide a context for and facilitate place-based community planning. Define social citizenship and promote it - active, responsible social citizens, including organisations, not just individuals. Establish a Charter of Community Engagement (similar to a Charter of Human Rights). Establish an Office of Social Innovation and a Charter of Community Engagement. The Office would have equal government, corporate and non-profit funding, and its first task would be to develop a Charter of Community Engagement to outline how the government goes about engaging with the community in the process of developing and delivering public policy. This would include an agreement to take a national approach to community facilitation. Introduce a Prime Minister's Grand Challenge Prize for solving big national challenges of a global nature-for example, climate change. Strengthening the public policy debate. Establishing a 'bottom-up' approach instead of a 'top-down' one, fostering an environment for experiments that are monitored, measured and shared with the public through the internet. Communities having a say in what happens. The Council of Australian Governments (key decision maker): building genuine public involvement into it. Facilitation of local 2020 summits to empower communities and to inform the development of regional prospectuses to guide future development and support bids for funding. Implementation of a citizens' cabinet from the United Kingdom, currently being trialled in Queensland. New mechanisms for facilitating greater involvement of non-government organisations, as well as the arts and volunteer sectors, in the development of policies for remote, rural and regional Australia - particularly new climate change policies. Policy making at the local and regional level Improve deliberative democracy and equip citizens to participate in an engaged, modern democracy. This could be done by using online participation, citizens' juries, citizens' parliaments, citizens' assemblies, participatory budgets, sampling citizens randomly about different issues, informing citizens about the legislative process, participatory budgeting, 21st century and electronic town meetings. Establish a permanent 2020 summit to increase committee function and increase discussion of day to day issues. Develop deliberative and new forms of democracy on tough issues through citizen assembly, participatory budget, on-line capability, develop a citizen- or community-focused public service. Better information delivery and hubs of civic participation, presence of government in the community-roving parliamentary sittings. Deliberative inclusive processes that feed directly into government decision-making processes. Engage the Australian community in the development of an ambitious long-term national strategic plan that delivers results. Identify issues of national significance and a means to respond to them. Empower citizens and communities to participate in decision-making processes - provide a context for and facilitate place based community planning	The Government agrees with the idea of enhancing community engagement. The Government's approach is to trial different and innovative mechanisms and draw on specific suggestions across several streams in that context. For example the Government is committed to developing practical initiatives in e-governance that increase communities' ability to interact with the Parliament and the policy development processes of government. The Government is committed to making extensive information about policy issues available on-line to the community. The Government will develop better ways to increase interactive consultative processes using new technologies to communicate and hear from people. Some aspects of this work will be guided by the statutory Information Commissioner position, which the Government will be establishing as part of its Open Government reform agenda. As a first step, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has sought expert advice on the enhancement of information and access to Commonwealth information and a whole-of-government approach to the development of an e-governance strategy. The Government is also considering holding a set of forums that will bring together experts, business and community representatives and others with a strong interest in a number of topics to promote a collaborative approach to challenging issues and better inform government decision making.
Removing Discrimination Also raised by: Economy Security	Unleashing Australian talent by removing direct and indirect discrimination, which means improving structural support, strengthening laws and creating public accountabilities beyond gender - that is, age, race and disability. Review domestic legislation for human rights impacts and compliance.	Agree in-principle. On 10 December 2008, the Commonwealth Attorney-General announced a national consultation process on human rights and responsibilities in Australia. The consultation will be conducted in the first half of 2009 by a committee comprised of Father Frank Brennan SJ AO (Chair), Ms Tammy Williams, Ms Mary Kostakidis and Mr Mick Palmer AO APM. The Government has recently taken some key steps to addressing issues of discrimination. For example, in July 2008, the Government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in December 2008, tabled a National Interest Analysis proposing that Australia accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention. The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties reported its views on 12 March 2009 and recommended that Australia accede to the Optional Protocol. In December 2008, the Government tabled draft Disability Standards to improve access to premises for persons with disabilities, and introduced legislation to implement recommendations of the Productivity Commission from 2004 to improve the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act. The states and territories also have existing programs to address issues of discrimination. Also in December 2008, the Government acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Human Rights Reform Package Also raised by: Communities	Australia should be a country where the respect and protection of the human rights of all people are maintained and strengthened. There should be a national process to consult with all Australians as to how to best protect human rights. A federal statutory bill or charter of rights (or alternatively, a parliamentary charter of rights) should be created in consultation with the Australian community. The Charter should protect and promote all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and provide meaningful remedies where rights are violated. It should address the rights and responsibilities of all Australians, including Indigenous Australians. The Charter should make human rights an integral part of law-making and policy-setting processes. The Charter should require parliament to consider whether laws comply with human rights. The Charter should enable courts to interpret laws consistently with human rights where possible and to identify laws that do not comply with human rights. The Charter should provide accessible and appropriate remedies for human rights breaches. There should be intensive, inclusive consultation with the community on rights and responsibilities—moving around local communities—framed in non-legal jargon and not pre‑determined by the Attorney‑General. Introduction of a non-statutory Charter of Comprehensive Rights and Responsibilities. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission should have explicit extensive power over all human rights. Embed a non-discriminatory clause in the Constitution (not the preamble).	On 10 December 2008, the Commonwealth Attorney-General announced a national consultation process on human rights and responsibilities in Australia. The consultation will be conducted in the first half of 2009 by a committee comprised of Father Frank Brennan SJ AO (Chair), Ms Tammy Williams, Ms Mary Kostakidis and Mr Mick Palmer AO APM. The consultation delivers a key election commitment made by the Government and provides an opportunity for all Australians to share their views on how human rights and responsibilities can be better recognised and protected. The consultation will encourage broad community debate on a range of human rights issues, not only on whether a Charter or Bill of Rights is necessary. The consultation does not presuppose any outcome, although the Government has made it clear that any proposals must preserve the sovereignty of Parliament.
Freedom of Information Reform	Completely reforming freedom of information laws. Appoint a Commissioner for Freedom of Information and conduct a full merits review. Create an exemption test based on matters of essential public interest (e.g. national security). Ensure that if public service documents are released in the public interest, they are free and accessible. Release government and public service documents after 15 years instead of 30 years. Reform the current freedom of information system by abolishing conclusive certificates.	Agree. The Government is moving ahead with broad reforms to the Freedom of Information (FOI) system and has released exposure draft legislation for public consultation. These reforms include the establishment of an Information Commissioner, a Freedom of Information Commissioner and other measures to improve and streamline the Freedom of Information Act ,and measures to reduce the open access period under the Archives Act for all documents from 30 down to 20 years and for Cabinet notebooks from 50 down to 30 years. Legislation to remove conclusive certificates has been introduced.
Electoral Reform - Advertising	Ban on government partisan advertising prior to the elections with the agreement of the Opposition, except for cases of emergency situations (a bird flu epidemic, for example).	Agree. The Government has implemented guidelines to govern Commonwealth Government campaign advertising to ensure that campaigns, at any time in the electoral cycle, are legitimately authorised, properly targeted and non-political. Any advertising proposed for the caretaker period prior to elections will only be undertaken following consultation with the Opposition.
Parliamentary Reform - General	Ministerial advisers should have to appear before parliamentary committees when they are taking executive decisions.	In June 2008, the Government introduced a Code of Conduct for Ministerial Staff that makes it clear that Staff are not to make executive decisions.
Parliamentary Reform - Review of the Legislative Instruments Act	Strengthen Parliamentary review of delegated legislation.	Agree. A review of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 has been completed and the Attorney-General will table the report later in 2009.
Regulation - COAG Business Regulation and Competition Working Group Also raised by: Rural Economy	Uniform regulation, licensing, standards and enforcement for transport (both road and rail) and agriculture. Harmonisation of state and territory regulations, including the removal of impediments associated with access to drought assistance. Cutting red tape in general and setting minimum red tape targets when introducing new polices for dealing with climate change. Harmonisation of federal and state regulations to reduce duplication and the costs of doing business. The speed of regulatory reform should be increased, including creation of seamless national markets in key areas. Review regulatory regimes to encourage private investment. Regulation to be seen in the context of allowing market solutions wherever possible to deal with social problems and externalities. Establish uniform national laws for industry, trade, finance and property. Uniform laws for human rights, resources and infrastructure, and workplace safety.	Agree in-principle. The 2020 Summit recognised the importance of regulatory reform and harmonisation of state and territory laws. Many of the ideas discussed at the Summit reflect the work program of the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) Business Regulation and Competition Working Group (BRCWG). In December 2007, COAG established the BRCWG to deliver more consistent regulation across jurisdictions, reduce restrictions on competition in priority areas of the economy, and improve processes for regulation making and review. The work program includes reducing inconsistent and unnecessary regulation in 27 separate areas and delivering competition reform in eight agreed priority areas. In November 2008, COAG agreed to the new National Partnership Agreement to Deliver a Seamless National Economy, under which the Commonwealth committed to provide funding to the states and territories of $550 million over five years. The payments are in two components; $100 million to facilitate the implementation of reforms, and $450 million in reward payments. The reforms, include nationally uniform OH&S laws, a national system for registering business names, and a national electronic conveyancing system.
Values and Civic Education Also raised by: Communities	Modify curricula from kindergarten to postgraduate education to include civic and moral education and engagement, social values and social inclusion in the education system which will ensure children are exposed to diverse value systems, other cultures and levels of disadvantage, with a specific focus on Indigenous issues. Develop greater inclusion strategies at school to reduce exclusion and racism. Provide active citizenship training as a universal component of primary and secondary school curricula and available to the broader community. Incorporate active citizenship education as part of the school curriculum. Develop and implement a national civics curriculum. Establish a forum or audit to identify good practices and programs on values in Australia and internationally, using these to develop national programs. Hold a national ethics and values convention every ten years or so to converse about our national key values.	The Government agrees with the importance of informed community discussion and education regarding Australian values. Through the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (released on 5 December 2008), the Government - along with state and territory governments - has agreed to work in collaboration with all school sectors to support all young Australians to become active and informed citizens. The development of a national history curriculum will also provide significant opportunities for Australian students to access civics and citizenship education. The national history curriculum is being progressed by the Interim National Curriculum Board. Once operational, the national history curriculum will be developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. The annual National Values Education Forum allows governments and the education community to engage in discussion about and develop best practices for values education. The Australian Human Rights Commission plays an important role in educating and raising awareness about racism, racial vilification and harassment. The Commission delivers a range of educational programs that are specifically developed for young people. The Government indicated in its November 2008 response to an independent review of the Australian Citizenship Test that work is underway on a whole-of-government approach to the promotion of civics and citizenship in the general community.
Formal Role for Local Government	Adopt a formal role for the most local level of government in adapting national policies.	Agree in-part. The Government has established the Australian Council of Local Government to give local government a direct voice into Commonwealth policy making, and help accelerate the implementation of program innovation, performance improvements and accountability in service delivery. The inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), held on 18 November at Parliament House Canberra, highlighted the Australian Government's agenda for forging a new and stronger partnership with local government.
Vision for Australia	Develop an agreed vision for the future of Australia.	Agree in-principle. The Australia 2020 Summit provided the Government with insight and guidance in developing a vision for the future. The Government will continue to consult with the nation in developing and adapting our vision for Australia.
Australia in a Global Context	Address Australia's sustainable growth and change in a global context.	Agree in-principle. The Government recognises the future challenges that the nation will face and is targeting policies at ensuring sustainable growth for the nation in the context of global challenges.
Modern Federation	Reinvigorate the Federation to enhance Australian democracy and make it work for all Australians by reviewing the roles, responsibilities, functions, structures and financial arrangements of governments. An expert commission to propose a new mix of responsibilities. Implementation by intergovernmental cooperation or referendum. Hold a convention of the people, informed by the commission and by a process of deliberative democracy to get community input. An integrated planning process across the Commonwealth and states levels: a new compact between the three levels of government based around redefining roles and responsibilities. National planning framework concept: by 2020 design and implement a cooperative national/intergovernmental planning framework. Establish an agreed policy position, including principles, to facilitate outcome-based decision making. Reconcile conflicting state priorities in the national interest and align state, regional and local planning activities. Achieve greater coordination and alignment between the governments (federal, state and local) of Australia. Achieve greater coordination and alignment between the governments (federal, state and local) of Australia.	Agree in-part. There were many ideas from the 2020 Summit directed towards improving the way the Australian federation works. The Government agrees that improvements can be made, although it will not adopt all of the ideas from the Summit in the short term. The Government's approach is to work collaboratively with the states and territories through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). In November 2008, COAG committed to an historic new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on Federal Financial Relations which provides an overarching framework for the Commonwealth's financial relations with the states and territories. The new federal financial framework began on 1 January 2009 and provides a solid foundation for COAG to pursue economic and social reforms to underpin growth, prosperity and social cohesion into the future. The IGA is supported by six new National Agreements in the areas of health, education, vocational education and training, disability services, housing, and Indigenous reform, and a range of National Partnership payments to fund specific projects and to facilitate and/or reward States that deliver on nationally significant reforms. The new framework provides a clearer specification of roles and responsibilities of each level of government and an improved accountability for the delivery of outcomes. COAG has also agreed to an expanded role for the COAG Reform Council (CRC). To enhance accountability, the CRC will report to the Prime Minister (as Chair of COAG) on the performance of all jurisdictions in relation to each National Agreement, and independently assess whether performance benchmarks have been achieved before an incentive payment to reward nationally significant reforms under a National Partnership is made. The CRC will also produce an analytical view of performance information for each Specific Purpose Payment. The CRC also has a role in monitoring the aggregate pace of activity in progressing COAG's agreed reform agenda. The Government will consider further options for modernising the federation once the outcomes of the current reforms have been assessed.
Open and Accountable Government	Whistleblower protection is respected and strengthened.	The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs tabled its report entitled 'Whistleblower protection: a comprehensive scheme for the Commonwealth public sector on 25 February 2009. The Government is now considering the report's recommendations and is committed to developing legislation to protect public interest disclosures within the public sector.
Media - Strengthen Free Press Protections	Government should be open and accountable and protections of free press should be strengthened. A Charter of Free Speech should be established to ensure that: No journalist will face criminal proceedings for publishing information they receive from their sources in the official conduct of their duties Effective shield laws are established for journalists, without the threat that they must reveal their sources The journalists' 'code of ethics' is strengthened There is a national commitment to protecting journalists or media producers.	The Attorney-General has introduced into Parliament amendments to the journalist shield provisions of the Commonwealth Evidence Act 1995. The Government has also raised the need for journalist shield laws in the States and Territories through the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General.

Australia 2020 Summit - TOWARDS A creative Australia

Here are "TOWARDS A creative Australia" items accepted by the Australian Government in its "Responding to the Australia 2020 Summit" on 22 April 2009:

Australia has a rich, diverse, creative and unique culture. The Government recognises that fostering creativity is not merely fundamental to a healthy arts industry, but is critical to capturing innovation and strengthening a unique Australian identity that is recognised around the world. The Government is committed to encouraging excellence in the arts, supporting our cultural heritage, promoting creative education and ensuring public access to arts and culture.

During the 2020 Summit, the participants in the Creativity Stream agreed that the arts and creativity are a valued and integral part of society and that all Australians should be encouraged to realise their creative potential. Some of the core themes addressed by the Creativity Stream included the reshaping of teaching and mentoring in the creative arts, reforming the way arts are supported, making the arts a key national objective, expanding the audience for Indigenous culture and focusing on Indigenous culture as the core of Australian culture. The Creativity Stream also focused on increasing access to culture and the arts throughout Australia, including through the use of emerging technologies.

The Creativity Stream developed a broad range of ambitions, themes and ideas that have influenced and guided the Government's policy in this area, including:

• ABC Children's Channel - The Government is committed to supporting a dedicated ABC Children's Channel. This channel will give all Australian children ready access to advertising-free, child-appropriate, content to support the development of our children.

• Artists-in-Residence - The Government will fund a $5.2 million Artists-in-Residence schools program over four years to improve access to quality artistic experiences for primary, secondary and tertiary students.

The following tables provide the Government's response to the ideas raised by the Creativity Stream at the 2020 Summit.

Key ideas being taken forward by the Government

Topic	2020 proposed ideas	Government response
Dedicated ABC Children's Channel	Create a children's channel on the ABC in order to provide high quality content for children. Making healthy food choices easy - e.g. banning junk food advertising to children.	Agree in-part. The Government is committed to supporting a dedicated ABC Children's Channel. This will give all Australian children ready access to advertising-free, child-appropriate content to support the development of our children, as discussed at the Summit. The Government response to healthy food choices can be found in the Health Stream.
Arts in Education - Artists-in-Residence Program	Bring art into our schools by introducing 'practitioners in residence' via a national mentoring plan funded by philanthropic funds and tax incentives. Expose students to creativity, with artists' presence in schools as mentors or residents. Introduce a new model of teacher attraction and development by integrating artists more thoroughly into education delivery. Subsidise or provide a tax benefit to support artist residencies in schools, museums, galleries and workplaces. Facilitate artists in residence across all industries and institutions to engage in storytelling, sense-making and capacity building. Expand the current limited program of artists in residence at schools, which are now confined mainly to private schools.	Agree in-part. The Government considers that creativity, interpretation, innovation and cultural understanding are all sought after skills in the industries of the 21st century. The Government has committed to funding a $5.2 million Artists-in-Residence program over four years to improve access to quality artistic experiences for students in primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Memoranda of Understanding are being developed between the Australia Council and the Arts and Education Agencies in each state and territory. This will allow consultation and delivery of targetted programs for students. In addition federal, state and territory education ministers agreed on 17 April 2009 that arts be included in the national curriculum. There are many other existing state, territory, local government and philanthropic activities in this area, and these are encouraged.
Arts in Education - Training Teachers in Creativity	Explore new opportunities for extension and development, such as Creativity Summer Schools, pre-service and in-service training for teachers. Introduce a national mentoring program at secondary school level and provide tax incentives for artists to participate.	Agree in-part. The Government is progressing the development and extension of teachers' creative and innovative skills through a variety of mechanisms, including: The Artists-in-Residence program, where teachers from schools and universities work with artists to develop innovative teaching methods The Count Us In Program teacher professional development component Teaching for the Digital Age (TDA) Work Plan, which supports the integration of ICT skills in teaching practice. There are also a wide range of other existing programs in this area from a range of organisations, including state and territories, local government and philanthropic bodies.
Education - Digital Education Revolution Also raised by: Productivity Economy Rural	Expansion of online education in tertiary and secondary schools to ensure that courses are accessible to remote, rural and regional people via virtual classrooms, online tutors and mentors, e-learning tele-education centres, and better use of hard infrastructure such as school buildings for out-of-school-time use. Establishment of interactive learning centres of excellence, which could be provided by satellite technology, to allow high quality education and training relevant to any field of expertise to be 'zoomed in' to remote, rural and regional communities. Use technology to improve the delivery of education inside and outside the classroom.	Agree in-principle. The Government is committing new funding of $2 billion over five years to support the Digital Education Revolution. This includes: Grants through the National Secondary School Computer Fund for new or upgraded information and communications technology (ICT) for secondary students in Years 9 to 12 A contribution of up to $100 million through the Fibre Connections to Schools initiative, to support the development of fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband connections to Australian schools Collaboration with the states and territories and Deans of Education to ensure new and continuing teachers have access to training in the use of ICT $32.6 million over two years to supply students and teachers with online curriculum tools and resources. In addition, the Government has also committed to a new Vocational Education Broadband Network which will create a single post-secondary high speed broadband network, connecting the Australian training system to the same network currently serving universities.
National Broadband Network Also raised by: Rural Productivity Economy	Connecting Australia: Use new technologies to foster new working environments that dissipate the 'tyranny of distance' both within and beyond Australia. Build and enable the use by all Australians of a world class broadband system to foster full participation in the digital economy. Roll out a competitive national broadband network across Australia. Establish a national digital fund to continue to expand Australia's broadband. Improve technology infrastructure and increased access to technology. Provide broadband access for remote, rural and regional Australia.	Agree. The Government has announced it will establish a new company that will invest up to $43 billion over eight years to build and operate a National Broadband Network (NBN) delivering superfast broadband to Australian homes and workplaces. Every person and business in Australia, no matter where they are located, will have access to affordable, fast broadband at their fingertips. The Schools Summits also recognised the importance of connecting regional areas to the internet, and the Australian Broadband Guarantee (ABG) program complements the rollout of the National Broadband Network in rural areas by providing safety net broadband services to all Australian households that are unable to access metro-comparable broadband services. An additional $270.7 million over four years was allocated in the 2008-09 Budget to continue the ABG program. In addition the Government is preparing a 'Digital Economy - Future Directions' Paper in consultation with industry. The paper will provide a roadmap of how the Government and industry can collaborate to maximise the participation of Australians in the digital economy. Further, the Government's Vocational Education Broadband Network will create a single post-secondary high speed broadband network, connecting the Australian training system to a similar network to that currently serving universities. This will increase flexibility in the place and pace of learning, and offer speedy access to resources no matter where they are located.
	The rural, economy, creativity and productivity streams proposed that the Government should assess the case for vertical separation of the national broadband network owner from retail carriers and carriage service providers.	Agree in-part. The Government has established a company that will invest up to $43 billion to build and operate a new super fast national broadband network. The network will be a wholesale-only, open access network that offers equivalent access terms and conditions for all access seekers. The Government will encourage private sector investment in the new network but measures will be put in place to ensure that the equivalence arrangements are not compromised. The Government has also announced that in the transition period to the full rollout of the new network, it will give consideration to stronger measures to ensure access seekers receive equivalent access terms on Telstra's existing fixed-line network.
	Fibre-to-the-home should be the key technology goal of government.	The Government has announced that it will establish a company that will invest up to $43 billion to build and operate a new super fast national broadband network. The Government's objective is that the national broadband network achieve 90 per cent coverage to homes, schools and workplaces using optical fibre (fibre-to-the-premises or 'FTTP') and remaining coverage to be delivered through wireless and satellite technologies, within this funding envelope.
Alliances between Indigenous Communities and Australian Manufacturers	Establish alliances between Australian manufacturers and Indigenous communities to make unique Australian design products for export and address issues of Indigenous employment income and skills development.	The Government is committed to improving Indigenous employment incomes and skills development. On 29 November 2008, COAG agreed to a five year National Partnership on Indigenous Economic Participation. The Commonwealth and state Governments will invest $228.8 million to assist up to 13,000 Indigenous Australians in obtaining employment. This is in part to support the 26 March 2008 commitment by COAG to a national target to halve the gap in Indigenous employment outcomes within a decade. There are also a range of state and territory and philanthropic programs in place which aim at addressing issues in Indigenous employment.
Convention on Cultural Diversity	Ratify the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity.	Agree. The Government has committed to ratifying the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity and a draft National Interest Analysis has been prepared. Ratification is expected in 2009.
Government Patronage	Overtly value arts and artists at the federal government level: this will ensure that politicians attend arts events and foster a whole of government view of arts and creativity.	Agree. The Government is strongly committed to a vibrant, diverse and well-supported arts sector, and recognises the contribution of the arts to Australia's identity, community and economy. The Government will continue to seek opportunities to demonstrate this commitment.

Australian Honours	Enhance community perceptions of artists to ensure that artists have mainstream recognition, including through civil honours.	Agree in-principle. Artists can be, and are often, nominated for Order of Australia honours by community members. Standard recognition processes are sufficient to ensure the continuing representation of artists in these honours lists.
Commonwealth-State Visual Arts and Craft Strategy	Establish facilities and 'soft infrastructure' to support artists.	Agree in-principle. The Commonwealth-State Visual Arts and Craft Strategy includes support for infrastructure and the National Arts and Craft Industry Support Program provides support for Indigenous art centres.
Arts Administration - Compliance	Revise compliance obligations in the grant process and reduce bureaucracy - in some cases compliance obligations are too burdensome and distract the artist from their work.	Agree. The Government has committed to ensuring the Australia Council implements simplified and faster grant application processes.
Tourism Australia and Australia Council	Use tourism as a way of advancing international promotion of Australian culture and creativity.	Agree. One of the legislated functions of the Australia Council is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of Australian arts by persons in other countries. The current Chair of Tourism Australia is a member of the Australia Council. In October 2008, Tourism Australia released major advertising campaigns developed by Baz Luhrmann to link with the launch of his film 'Australia'.
Artist Development - Mentoring for New artists	Support a mentoring scheme for new artists.	Agree in-principle. The Government is providing $6.6 million over four years to the Opportunities for Young and Emerging Artists program, which will include a significant national mentoring component. There are also a range of State and Territory, and philanthropic programs in place which aim to mentor and support new artists.
Cultural Diplomacy	Create an environment in which we can present our unique stories to the world.	Agree. The Government is committed, through its overseas network of Australian diplomatic posts and interagency arrangements, to the active promotion of Australian arts and culture internationally.
Digitising Collections of Major National Institutions	Digitise the collections of major national institutions by 2020.	Agree in-principle. All national collecting institutions are gradually digitising their collections.
Indigenous Representation on Cultural Boards	Integrate Indigenous influence into cultural institutions by having Indigenous appointees on boards.	Agree in-principle. The Government supports Indigenous participation in cultural institutions, and a number of cultural boards already include Indigenous members, such as Screen Australia and the Australia Council.

Australia 2020 Summit - Options for the future of Indigenous Australia

Here are "Options for the future of Indigenous Australia" items accepted by the Australian Government in its "Responding to the Australia 2020 Summit" on 22 April 2009:

Australia's Indigenous people experience unacceptable disadvantage. Through the Closing the Gap strategy, the Government is taking action to address Indigenous disadvantage and is focusing on achieving the following targets agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG):

• close the life expectancy gap within a generation

• halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade

• halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade

• halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade

• provide access to early childhood education for all four years olds in remote communities within five years

• halve the gap for Indigenous students in year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020.

The Government recognises that achieving these targets will require sustained action across all levels of government and all sectors.

Some of the key themes that were raised by the Indigenous Stream during the 2020 Summit included formal constitutional recognition of Indigenous people, establishing bipartisan dialogue between Indigenous people and government, valuing the cultural history and knowledge of Indigenous people, closing the gap in all areas and achieving better social and economic outcomes. The issues faced by Indigenous Australians were also a clear priority for many other streams across the Summit. Ideas and aspirations for the future of Indigenous Australia were also raised by the Health Stream, Creativity Stream, Sustainability Stream, Communities Stream, Productivity Stream, Governance Stream and Rural Stream.

The Indigenous Stream developed a broad range of ambitions, themes and ideas that have influenced and guided the Government's policy in this area, including:

• Indigenous cultural education and knowledge centre - Indigenous culture is a critical part of Australia's identity and strengthening it is a core element of sustaining a strong and healthy Indigenous community. It was a prominent theme at the Summit and was raised across multiple streams. The Government agrees that the celebration of Indigenous culture in this way will complement and contribute to its core development policies for Indigenous Australia. An Indigenous Knowledge Centre would build on the current role played by the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and could:

  • Become a national gathering place for the celebration and discussion of Indigenous culture, in a physical or 'virtual' sense

  • Become a reference point for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture

  • Engage in research to harness traditional knowledge to support sustainable management of country

  • Support the education and understanding of Indigenous culture and affairs across Australia and preserve Indigenous heritage

As the first step in the establishment of a centre, the community will be consulted on its form.

We are therefore initiating a feasibility study to engage the Indigenous and wider communities and existing institutions to develop options for the most effective way to strengthen and support Indigenous culture.

• Council of Australian Governments Working Group on Indigenous Reform - Many of the ideas raised at the 2020 Summit supported the development of reforms recently agreed by COAG at their November 2008 meeting. At this meeting, all Australian Governments backed up their commitment to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage with $4.6 billion in initiatives across early childhood development, health, housing, economic development and remote service delivery.

The following tables provide the Government's response to the ideas raised by the Indigenous Stream at the 2020 Summit.

Key ideas being taken forward by the Government

Topic	2020 proposed ideas	Government response
Indigenous Early Childhood Development	Focus on early intervention/prevention for early childhood. Establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Fund to tackle long term problems through the development of services to redress unmet need. Re-establish and reinvigorate multi-functional childcare centres. Place a child health nurse in every school, and give young mothers and their babies in the community access to this service. Develop an education policy framework that provides genuine choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their parents and can integrate health strategies in an early childhood intervention strategy. Share information about good practices, so as to keep families functioning well and staying together.	Agree in-principle. In October 2008, the Council of Australian Government's (COAG) first National Partnership (NP) was agreed, covering Indigenous Early Childhood Development. Through the agreement, the Commonwealth and the states and territories will work together to improve the early childhood outcomes of Indigenous children. The National Partnership comprises $564.6 million of joint funding over six years to address the needs of Indigenous children in their early years, and reflects many of the ideas raised at the Summit. As part of the initiative, 35 Children and Family Centres in areas of high Indigenous population and disadvantage will be established across Australia to deliver integrated services that offer early learning, child care and family support programs. The funding will also increase access to ante-natal care, teenage reproductive and sexual health services, and child and maternal health services for Indigenous Australians. COAG has agreed to ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood education. In July 2008, COAG agreed to the development of a National Early Childhood Development Strategy during 2009. The strategy will provide the framework for a comprehensive approach to early childhood, including for assisting vulnerable children. Broader issues on family support will also be considered by the Australian Social Inclusion Board and the work on the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion.
Health and Learning Compacts	Health and Education - introduce individual learning and health compacts (case management) for each Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child to ensure that children who need help receive it promptly and effectively.	Agree. In the 2008-09 Budget, the Government committed $56.4 million over four years to expand intensive literacy and numeracy programs in schools. This funding will include support for teachers to enable them to prepare and maintain individual learning plans for every Indigenous student up to Year 10.
Additional Schooling Support Also raised by: Productivity	A new education framework should be established. The following could be included in the framework: Availability of high quality education, including boarding schools and hostels Access to away-from-home foster families to stay with at weekends for students away from home Funding through ABSTUDY, private school scholarships, government funding and community schooling Encourage high-performing young professionals to work as teachers alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators in remote schools Expand ABSTUDY to all post-secondary Indigenous students to facilitate engagement with education and ultimately the workforce Introduce 500 'Mabo Scholarships' for Indigenous students in research and higher level degrees similar to the Endeavour scholarships.	Agree in-principle. The Government is introducing a range of new support mechanisms for Indigenous education options. In 2008, the Government committed $20 million over three years from 2009-10 as a contribution towards secondary scholarships for Indigenous students to attend boarding schools. The funds will be managed by the Australians Indigenous Education Foundation, with additional funds which more than match the Government contribution expected to be raised from corporate, philanthropic and private sources over the life of the initiative. The Government is also providing $10 million to leverage private and state funding for six existing Clontarf Academies, six new academies from 2009-10, and a further three new academies from 2010-11. The additional funding represents the first stage of a long term commitment by the Government to helping the Clontarf Foundation to expand its network of academies throughout Australia. This initial $10 million investment will enable Clontarf to expand its services in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and other interested states. In the 2008-09 Budget, the Government also committed $28.9 million over four years to construct and operate three new boarding colleges for Indigenous secondary students in the Northern Territory. The National Education Agreement agreed by COAG in November 2008 includes a focus on outcomes for Indigenous students, with a particular focus on literacy and numeracy. Enhanced arrangements for teaching and school leadership are being progressed through the Improving Teacher Quality and Low Socio-Economic Status National Partnership Agreements, including increased opportunities to gain qualifications that form part of pathways into teaching for Indigenous education workers.
National Indigenous Health Equality Council	Establish a comprehensive health strategy to eradicate diseases such as trachoma and to tackle alcohol and drugs.	Agree. The Government is strongly committed to achieving health equality for Indigenous Australians. The National Indigenous Health Equality Council was launched in July 2008 to assist in developing and monitoring health-related goals to support the Government's commitments on improving Indigenous life expectancy and reducing child mortality. The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) is also in the process of making recommendations regarding long term macro reforms to improve Australia's health system (including for Indigenous and rural communities). These recommendations should be finalised in mid-2009. The Government has committed funding to states and territories to provide additional drug and alcohol rehabilitation services to Indigenous communities, and is providing funding to tackle high rates of smoking. COAG is also working to ensure that the Closing the Gap targets are being supported across a range of financial arrangements between the Commonwealth and state governments. The National Healthcare Agreement agreed by COAG in November 2008 includes a commitment to achieving health outcomes for Indigenous Australians comparable to the broader population. The Indigenous Health National Partnership also provides an additional $1.6 billion over four years to expand primary health care and targeted prevention activities to reduce chronic disease for Indigenous Australians.
Eradicate Trachoma in Indigenous Children Also raised by: Helath	Eradicate trachoma amongst Indigenous children within five years through a comprehensive health strategy. This could include a national hand-washing campaign in Indigenous communities.	Trachoma is a preventable and treatable disease which still causes blindness in an unacceptable number of Indigenous Australians. The Government has committed $58.3m to expand eye and ear health services for Indigenous Australians. This includes $16m to address trachoma.
Indigenous Economic Development Strategy Also raised by: Productivity	Economic Development Strategy - recognise the importance of jobs and make improvements to private philanthropic and business partnerships with Indigenous enterprises, greater corporate participation via incentives such as tax concessions. Provide tax incentives and concessions to encourage higher levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement in private enterprise and entrepreneurship. Some groups and individuals cautioned that tax incentives and concessions need careful consideration because they do not always achieve the desired results. Provide incentives to encourage people to move into employment. Include incentives for self-help and development of skills that support independence in government funding. Explore options and opportunities for increased employment of Indigenous people in the private sector. Establish an entrepreneurial fund, Indigenous Business Alliance clusters, corporate partnerships, performance targets and performance indicators in government contracts involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises. Conduct a national review of Indigenous businesses and an annual survey of them. Improve the skills of local people, particularly Aboriginal people, before importing labour. Establish a national awards scheme for organisations proactive in training and employing Indigenous people.	Agree in-principle. On 29 November 2008, COAG agreed to a five year National Partnership on Indigenous Economic Participation. The Commonwealth and state governments will invest $228.8 million to assist up to 13,000 Indigenous Australians in obtaining employment. This National Partnership will contribute to meeting the national target set by COAG in March 2008 to halve the gap in Indigenous employment outcomes within a decade. The reforms to the Community Development Employment Program, the Indigenous Employment Program and the new Job Services Australia (to be introduced on 1 July 2009) include a strong focus on job readiness and skills development for Indigenous people. Under the reforms to the Indigenous Employment Program, a high profile program will be created that recognises and supports significant achievements in Indigenous employment. The Prime Minister has pledged Government support to the Australian Employment Covenant, a private sector initiative to create 50,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians announced by the CEO of Fortescue Metals Group, Mr Andrew Forrest. The Government is also developing a wider Indigenous Economic Development Strategy to provide a framework to guide government investment and to work with Indigenous Australians and the corporate sector to increase Indigenous participation in employment and business. This strategy is expected to be finalised in late 2009. In addition, the Government is currently conducting a wide-ranging review of Australia's tax system, including incentives for workforce participation and skill formation.
Indigenous Employment	Exploring options and opportunities for increased employment of Indigenous people in the private sector. Improving private philanthropic and business partnerships with Indigenous enterprises and encouraging greater corporate participation with incentives such as tax concessions. Recognising the importance of jobs and encouraging people to move into employment.	Agree. From 1 July 2009, the Government is introducing new employment services called Job Services Australia, and reforms to the Indigenous Employment Program and to the Community Development Employment Program (CDEP), that include a strong focus on job readiness and skills development for Indigenous people.. On 30 October 2008, the Prime Minister pledged the Government's support to the Australian Employment Covenant (AEC), a private sector initiative to create 50,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians announced by the CEO of Fortescue Metals Group, Mr Andrew Forrest. The AEC reflects the Summit's recognition of the importance of increasing employment opportunities for Indigenous people. Under the AEC the Government will make resources available to: Coordinate and facilitate training to the appropriate job standards of the employing industry Facilitate post-placement and mentor support for eligible Indigenous Australians in guaranteed AEC jobs Help with the take up of AEC jobs by eligible Indigenous job seekers through referral, placement and support services. The Australian Employment Covenant will also be supported by Job Services Australia and reforms to the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program and the Indigenous Employment Program, as well as the wider Indigenous Economic Development Strategy to be further developed in 2009.
Indigenous Reform - Remote Service Delivery	Better coordination of services between the states and territories and the Commonwealth. Renewed emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delivery models. The creation of a 'clearing house' in the form of a database that includes all Indigenous programs, to provide a central link in the Indigenous community for the provision of services. Develop service delivery mechanisms that are people-centred and convenient. For example, a 'one-stop-shop' community hub where services are delivered by people who are able to coordinate across governments and agencies and are not confined to their service 'silo'.	Agree in-principle. On 29 November 2008, COAG agreed to a new National Partnership on Indigenous Remote Service Delivery to improve the delivery of services in 26 remote Indigenous locations. The Commonwealth and state governments are providing $291.2 million over six years to improve access to services by Indigenous Australians in remote areas. The employment services being introduced through Job Services Australia from 1 July 2009 include arrangements to enhance collaboration and cooperation across services, including Service Level Agreements between Job Services Australia service providers and Community Development Employment Project program (CDEP) organisations where this operate. To further build understanding of effective Indigenous initiatives, the Government is providing funding in 2008-09 for a Closing the Gap clearing house through agreed joint funding arrangements with the states and territories. The clearing house will operate as a knowledge management service run by research specialists. It will provide a central repository of evidence and links to a range of existing data that can be accessed by interested stakeholders. It will build an evidence base that details effective, successful interventions to address Indigenous disadvantage.

Government Accountability	New independent mechanisms with teeth and sanctions to monitor accountability of governments, with significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement. Assess senior public sector managers' performance against Indigenous-specific outcomes and indicators. Build accountability, reporting and monitoring in Indigenous policy initiatives, either through: establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Productivity Commission, involving significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation or building on existing frameworks, such as the Productivity Commission having responsibility to monitor, be a 'watchdog' and report on progress	Agree in-principle. The Government has already accepted and established accountability at the highest level through the annual Prime Ministerial statement on Closing the Gap. On 29 November 2008, COAG agreed to the National Indigenous Reform Agreement (NIRA) which sets out the objectives, outcomes, outputs, performance measures and benchmarks that all governments have committed to achieving in order to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage. The COAG Reform Council will report to the Prime Minister on the performance of all jurisdictions in relation to each National Agreement, and independently assess whether performance benchmarks have been achieved before an incentive payment to reward nationally significant reforms under a National Partnership is made. Commonwealth, state and territory treasurers also agreed in January 2008 to the development of a national framework for reporting expenditure on services to Indigenous Australians, including expenditure from all funding sources on both Indigenous-specific and mainstream services, with an emphasis on 'on the ground' service provision. The Productivity Commission acts as the secretariat for this framework.
Senate Estimates Committee on Indigenous Matters	Build accountability, reporting and monitoring in Indigenous policy initiatives by establishing a parliamentary committee, possibly a Senate estimates committee, to examine government expenditure directed to the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Such a committee should be able to scrutinise expenditure in the areas of health education, policing law enforcement, and employment services.	On Friday 24 October 2008 and 27 February 2009, the Senate's Community Affairs Committee held special hearings on Indigenous matters. This followed a Senate resolution on 26 August 2008 where the Senate agreed to provide for future estimates hearings to include a separate time for a hearing on Indigenous matters. The national performance reporting framework being developed by the COAG also aims to increase accountability for and improve reporting and monitoring of Indigenous policy initiatives.

National Indigenous Representative Body	Establishment of a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative body. It should be established after considering the nature of its role and relationship with government, the corporate sector and the wider community, and the options for its structure.	Agree. The Government is committed to creating a National Indigenous Representative Body to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a voice in national affairs. This will not involve the re-establishment of an ATSIC-style body or the transfer of legislative power. Extensive consultation was held in 2008 with Indigenous and wider communities. A second phase of consultation is being led by an independent steering committee of Indigenous leaders, convened by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. Recommendations from the steering committee to the Government are expected in July 2009.
UN Declaration of Rights	Support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.	Agree. The Government publicly stated its support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on 3 April 2009.
Indigenous Memorial Service	Hold a memorial service to commemorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served in or demonstrated exceptional courage in war.	A commemorative event of this nature has been held annually since 1999. A memorial service was also held on 9 July 2008 at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial in Canberra, as part of the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrations throughout Australia. The service combined Indigenous culture with traditional military culture and honoured the Indigenous men and women who played an active role in protecting Australia in times of war and peace.