A VISION FOR AUSTRALIA
A Vision for Australia is an annual Summit series designed to foster outcome-based engagement on key issues of value to Australia, such as productivity, infrastructure, education, innovation, job creation and prospects for future economic growth. Recommendations are then progressed through multidisciplinary taskforces, pilots and projects facilitated by GAP.
Each Summit’s theme is informed by the taskforces and stakeholder consultations run by GAP during the year.
SHARED IDENTITY
The GAP Summit on Shared Identity took place on 23 September 2022, bringing together 120 senior representatives from business, government, academia and the not-for-profit sector across 18 countries. A diverse range of Australian and international thought leaders discussed the concept of shared identity and Australia’s relations in the Pacific. Participants offered their personal perspectives on related national and international issues, including the urgent threat of climate change, the power of education, and the ‘brain drain’ of Pacific talent to the Australian labour market. The Summit proposed several recommendations to progress over the coming year, including a radical rethink of traditional governance and economic models, to be discussed at a future GAP event.
THE NEW NORMAL
Building on last year’s theme of national resilience, the 2021 Summit explored the long-term opportunities for Australia as the world establishes a ‘new normal’ in the midst of an evolving pandemic and environmental crises. Participants suggested several priorities, including climate change, workforce training and technological innovation and a range of measures to ensure Australia’s prosperity and sustainability into the future. Outcomes include the establishment of two new GAP taskforces – a cross-sector industry-led taskforce on Jobs and Skills, and a ‘second track’ multidisciplinary taskforce on Positive Leadership.
NATIONAL RESILIENCE
The 2020 GAP Summit on National Resilience sought ways to safeguard Australia against future threats. Participants called for a comprehensive review of Australia’s resilience in preparation for natural hazards and geopolitical challenges, and agreed that Australian leaders should adopt a long-term bipartisan approach, informed by an independent National Resilience Institute.
LIFELONG LEARNING
The 2019 Summit ‘Beyond Education: Lifelong Learning for Australia’s Future’ addressed the challenges of retraining people as skills requirements change, and the impact of technology on the future workforce.
DIGITAL TRADE
The 2018 Summit ‘Digital Trade and Opportunities for Our Region’ highlighted a major opportunity for Australia to advance digital trade by strengthening trade and investment links throughout the Indo-Pacific and opening new markets for SMEs.
MIDSIZE BUSINESSES
The 2017 Summit ‘Hidden Giants: The Future of Australia’s Midsize Business’ outlined the need to boost the size and vitality of the Australian medium-sized business sector, leading to a healthier and more resilient economy. Download our infographic.
SPACES OF AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION
The 2016 Summit on Spaces of Australian Innovation saw major opportunities for innovation in the emerging domestic satellite and space industry, as well as defence, and called for an ambitious, inspiring and bipartisan vision for Australia to unite and galvanise the country’s innovation effort. Download our GAP Space Summit infographic.
THE FUTURE OF JOBS
The 2015 Summit on The Future of Jobs considered trends shaping the domestic and international labour markets and strategies to improve Australian skills, growth and employment. Read our Summit Communique to the OECD.
EDUCATION
The 2014 Summit on Education addressed the state of education in Australia today, from the importance of the early years to the Government’s tertiary reforms and beyond.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
The 2013 Summit ‘Food Sustainability, International Food Markets and Agriculture’ discussed the performance and potential of Australian agriculture in domestic and international markets.
PRODUCTIVITY
The 2012 GAP Annual Summit focused on productivity, public value and leadership.
POPULATION
The 2011 Summit on Population examined the impact and opportunities of Australia’s predicted population growth.
INNOVATION
The inaugural 2010 GAP Economic Summit called for a wider definition of growth and emphasised the benefits of new parameters to measure economic and social progress.