AWORD

It is quickly becoming a cliché to say that the world will be forever altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our systems of work, our relationship to government, and even our relationship with our ourselves and neighbours, are likely to be put under the kinds of stresses that require them to adapt or fracture.

The outbreak has further underscored the fragility of the social, political and financial house of cards we live in. If anything positive is to come out of this crisis then it is not enough to be a victim of circumstance, we need to be the masters of our own destiny. Conscious and dramatic political reform will be necessary.

Even looking beyond COVID, the world is changing at an incredible pace, from technology through to social norms. Yet one thing remains largely static – the fundamental mechanisms of our democracy and government. In 120 years, the Australian Constitution has only changed eight times, and not at all in the last 40 years!

Yet the Constitution and the broader ecosystem of government now has to grapple with the complex and interdependent consequences of the internet, social media, globalisation, and unimaginably wealthy vested interests.

How do we future proof Australia for a future that we can only barely imagine?

For this 2020 Special Edition, AQ is extremely proud to have brought together some of Australia’s most active and respected thinkers, to provide four deep dive articles on the country’s future. Together, these sketch out an ambitious blueprint for ensuring Australia is a nation ready for its future, rather than chained to its past.

The edition features the Rev Tim Costello, Australia’s pre-eminent social justice warrior; Prof Ian Chubb, Australia’s former Chief Scientist; Prof Mark Evans, Director of Democracy 2025 at the Museum of Australian Democracy; and survivors of the Canberra Press Gallery, Michelle Grattan and Geoffrey Robin.

For Australia to flourish in a world of complex challenges, we need to determine a new social contract for our democracy. Federated Australia is still a young idea; we are small, smart and agile – we simply need to be brave enough to strike our own path together.

PLEASE NOTE: We are expecting that the coronavirus situation will begin to impact our capacity to print and distribute AQ: Australian Quarterly. If it becomes necessary for the July edition to be cancelled, all subscribers will be notified and their subscriptions extended accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.