Over the past few months, with a program that has covered Australia, Foundation members and co-opted experts have contributed to an extensive consultation effort focussing on four key areas:

1. Australia in the World   Chair - Lt. Gen. John M. Sanderson AC          

2. Australia’s Sustainable National Development    Chair - Dr. Allan Hawke

3. Australia’s Knowledge Future   Chair - Mr M. A. (Tim) Besley AC

4. Australian Society  Chair - Ms Sam Mostyn

Each group was led by a prominent Australian and the deliberations was professionally facilitated pro bono by Bain and Co.  Each group was given the task of

• identifying key issues;
• debating and refining these issues and
• determining which issues, in priority order, deserve further attention at the main Australia Unlimited meeting in March.

The Global Foundation also met with senior ministers and officials of governments and other influential people and organisations. 

Testimonial from a Working Group participant:

"I was surprised at the high standard of discussion and wide range of issues discussed in the working groups. With a diverse range of high calibre participants, many of whom were subject matter experts in their field, the key issues impacting on Australia's future development were discussed at length. The resultant agenda for the March 2007 Round Table presents a great chance to debate these issues further and agree on those critical factors for development to ensure Australia maintains its place going forward in the global playing field. I am excited to have participated in such an important undertaking and highly recommend the Round Table event to all persons interested in shaping Australia's future."                                                                                                    Samantha Winter, PBS Policy Manager, GlaxoSmithKline

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