In 1998, The Global Foundation was launched as a unique citizens’ organisation, focussing on Australia’s future.  The launch vehicle was the inaugural Australia Unlimited Roundtable which helped to shape public policy directions in the lead-up to the Centenary of Federation. 

In 2007, with its membership of 180 prominent Australian and global corporations, universities, organisations, eminent persons and citizens, and a program which reaches out across Australia and around the world, The Foundation has established itself as a respected, independent contributor on issues facing Australia.

The Global Foundation has identified and responded to the need and appetite for a community conversation that can influence the future direction of this country.  It has embarked on a major project to engage citizens and organisations from all sectors in a dialogue about Australia’s future, which will culminate at another Australia Unlimited Roundtable. 

The rationale is simple: we believe Australia has unlimited potential.  But the decisions we take in the short term on issues as diverse as world trade, education and research, energy, social cohesion, economic growth and the environment will determine our long term future capacity to be a powerful participant in a globalised society.

Australia Unlimited aims to put forward a highly informed, systemic view on public policy directions from a citizens’ perspective and international context.  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

2: Australia's Sustainable National Development

3: Australia's Knowledge Future

4: Australian Society

This exceptional work culminated in a Roundtable in Melbourne on March  7 & 8, 2007 at which the key themes were further debated by leaders from government, the private sector and the community and were highlighted in the national media.  The Australian Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition led the speaker's list.

Program Links:

View Photos from the Australia Unlimited Roundtable

Read Comments and Feedback from the Roundtable

Sponsors of the Australia Unlimited Roundtable

Australia Unlimited Newsroom                                                                               

Australia Unlimited Working Groups overview                                                          Access information on the Four Working Groups

Australia Unlimited Related Program Reports:

Link to former Prime Minister (Mr John Howard's) website for his Address given at the gala dinner, NGV   Melbourne, 7 March 2007

Address given by Federal Labor Leader, The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, at the Melbourne Town Hall                                                                           
8 March 2007

Address given by Mr Bill Moss at the Australia Unlimited Roundtable in Working Session: Australian Society Melbourne, 7 & 8 March 2007

Summary of the consultation process leading up to the Australia Unlimited Roundtable   Government House, Melbourne, 7 & 8 March, 2007

"The Changing Global Context for Australia", Background Paper for the Australia Unlimited Roundtable, Government House, Melbourne, 7 & 8 March 2007, Dr Ruth Dunkin

Address given by Professor David de Kretser AC, Victorian State Governor at a Reception for The Global Foundation                                                         Melbourne, 15 November 2006

Perth Program Report                                                                                       31 October 2006

Governor General hosts a Reception and Dinner for The Global Foundation                Launch reception for Australia Unlimited, 16 August 2006

* You will need Acrobat Reader to view these documents.