The
Future Generations
Policy Roadmap
The culmination of two years of research, collaborative dialogue and consultative efforts to define a path forward for future generations policy in Australia.
A Fair Go for Future Generations
Australians are increasingly calling for change, with growing public interest and support for intergenerational equity and the consideration of future generations.
According to a recent survey led by EveryGen:
97%
of Australians believe
that current policies must consider the interests of future generations.
81%
Feel that Australian politicians focus too much on short-term decisions.
79%
Support the establishment of a commissioner for future generations.
The Challenge
Australia stands at a critical juncture, facing unprecedented stakes for future generations. Escalating and interlinked global challenges - including climate change, widening economic inequality, resource depletion, and rising societal polarisation - are intensifying uncertainty.
Every decision we make today carries profound and lasting consequences, demanding urgent and thoughtful action to shape a sustainable and equitable future.
Our Response
Building on nearly four years of dedicated research, collaborative dialogue, and extensive consultation, Foundations for Tomorrow is proud to launch the Future Generations Policy Roadmap. This comprehensive strategy aims to advance policies that prioritise the wellbeing of future generations in Australia, providing leaders and decision-makers with a clear guide to achieving a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.
Our Objectives
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Raise Awareness
Elevate public and policymaker understanding of the risks of short-termism and the benefits of future generations policy.
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Facilitate Collaboration
Unite citizens and stakeholders from government, civil society, and industry through forums, workshops, and the Intergenerational Fairness Coalition. Build a collective movement that encourages policymakers to adopt reforms that proactively address the barriers to achieving a fair and prosperous future for all.
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Advance Systemic Governance Reform
Engage political champions to advance future generations policy at both state and federal levels.
Roadmap Elements
Each element of the Roadmap offers an essential contribution to seeing the reimagination of how we govern, lead and make decisions in the interests of future generations:
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A comprehensive document shaped by two years of in-depth research and collaboration, serving as a non-partisan roadmap for policymakers dedicated to embedding intergenerational equity into governance frameworks.
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This campaign seeks to elevate awareness and catalyse support for future generations policy by engaging policymakers, civil society, and the broader public. Centred on the 2025 federal election, it will work to build a cohesive, action-driven movement advocating for long-term, sustainable governance.
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Facilitating intergenerational dialogues, community activations, and collaborative workshops to deepen understanding and drive engagement with policies that prioritise the wellbeing of future generations.
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Continuing to empower leaders across various sectors, nurturing their ability to take visible, impactful steps in championing intergenerational equity. By fostering collaboration and joint advocacy, we aim to unite voices and drive collective action for a fairer and more sustainable future.
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Simplifying complex policy insights into engaging and relatable stories, we illustrate how future generations policy can practically benefit every Australian, making the impact tangible and understandable for all.
A Month of Action
These efforts will culminate in a month of action in February 2025, where a cross-sectoral cohort of future generations champions will align to platform the interests of future generations. The capstone of the month of action will be the introduction of a Private Members Bill by Dr Sophie Scamps MP, seconded by Mrs Bridget Archer MP, for a Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
Our ambition is to harness the window of opportunity presented by the 2025 federal election to advance future generations policy in Australia, emboldening leaders across sectors to take action in support of intergenerational fairness and societal wellbeing. We want to see an Australia today that acts for tomorrow.
For Our Future
The Australian Future Generations Policy Brief
The Policy Brief is the culmination of almost four years of robust research, collaborative dialogue and consultative efforts to define a path forward for future generations policy in Australia. It outlines the urgent need for a comprehensive shift in Australia’s approach to policy and decision-making and provides an in-depth exploration of policies that will secure a sustainable, fair, and prosperous future for all Australians. It responds to growing public appetite for policies that prioritise intergenerational equity and protect the interests of future generations, and proposes three Foundational Recommendations, including:
A Wellbeing of Future Generations Act – Enshrining goals that safeguard our environment, economy, and society.
An Independent Commissioner for Future Generations – An advocate to ensure today’s policies uphold the wellbeing of Australians tomorrow.
A National Conversation – Engaging Australians across generations in shaping a collective vision for a resilient future.
Looking for bite-sized insights?
For Our Future
The Campaign
Our Future Must Be Front of Mind
With every passing year, the ideal future we envision grows more distant. It’s essential to ensure that future generations remain at the forefront of decision-making today. Join us in demanding that our leaders put our shared future first, advocating for policies that address today’s challenges with the resilience needed for tomorrow.
A Note from Our Co-Chairs
“‘As parliamentarians, we witness firsthand how government departments often work at odds with one another, rather than in concert.
It’s clear we need a legislated framework that ensures two things: that the long-term impacts of our decisions are accounted for; and that we are all working towards the same wellbeing goals. That is why it has been so valuable to have a comprehensive consultation process in the drafting of the Wellbeing of Future Generations policy. We would like to deeply thank everyone who has had input into its development and to Foundations for Tomorrow for facilitating the process.’”
Timeline
We’re on the road to creating real change for future generations:
2022
Global mapping and research on international future generations policy initiatives, co-designing a multi stake impact strategy based on successes and challenges of our international colleagues.
2023
Establishment of the Parliamentary Group for Future Generations and Intergenerational Fairness Coalition, and shared commitment to advancing future generations policy in Australia.
2024
Continued work of the Parliamentary Group and Intergenerational Fairness Coalition alongside the development of the For Our Future: Australian Future Generations Policy Brief by Foundations for Tomorrow. Robust consultations will take place from June - November 2024 with the final Policy Brief launching in November in alignment with the Intergenerational Fairness Summit.
2025
Mobilising public actions for future generations throughout February 2025 to build public awareness and appetite for policy innovation in the lead-up to the Australian federal election, this will include the Private Member’s Bill to introduce a Wellbeing of Future Generations Act at the federal level to be introduced by Dr Sophie Scamps MP and seconded by Ms Bridget Archer MP.