PROGRESS 2050: Toward a prosperous future for all Australians
It is a simple aspiration, shared over many generations, but one that cannot be taken for granted.
We cannot assume that the strengths that have served us well in the past will carry us through to the future, especially in a turbulent and ever-changing world. The scale and scope of the challenges we face as a nation require both foresight and focused action.
In recent years, the short-termism of political cycles, and the pressing challenges emerging from global crises, has meant our nation has lost sight of the bigger picture. Without a bold vision, and an ambitious but achievable plan for getting there, the foundations of our future prosperity rest on uncertain ground.
Progress 2050 is our pathway to prosperity, and our shared plan for how we can realise our economic and societal potential, in a way that reflects the unique, innovative and resourceful nation that we are.
Progress 2050 provides a platform for engagement around the issues that matter most to
our nation – opening up important space for conversation, for sharing new ideas, and for encouraging greater ambition and action.
Progress 2050 connects our bold vision for a better future with shared goals and strategies for getting there, bringing the full power of our collective curiosity and commitment to action to bear in securing long-term, sustained prosperity for all Australians.
At its heart, an economy is about people.
The products, services, resources and ideas we exchange, reflect who we are, what we value and how we are forming and evolving as a society over time. An economy is in essence interconnected and interdependent – individual and collective, macro and micro, local, national and global, and informed by the past, present and future. It is dynamic, fluid and ever-changing, shifting every day – and shaped by us all and the everyday decisions we make.
“Progress 2050 is our invitation to imagine, and help create, a prosperous future for all Australians. To make this future our shared reality, we will be called to rise above political divides, to work together towards an ambitious vision for shared prosperity, and be resolute in our commitments to getting there – to make decisions today for the betterment of all Australians, for generations to come.”
Melinda Cilento, CEO
Foundations + Focus Areas
The Progress 2050 platform is centred around two mutually reliant and reinforcing pillars that form a strong foundation for our future economy and society: A Strong Economy + A Strong Social Compact. These pillars are supported by six strategic Focus Areas and Goals that are the result of extensive consultation and research, including analysis undertaken for the Progress 2050 Dashboard – a comprehensive overview of Australia's current economic and social landscape, spotlighting the focus of our future action.
Strong Economy
Strong Social Compact
Our Goals
The Progress 2050 Goals are audacious in nature, designed to spark conversation, elevate ambition and propel action.
PRODUCTIVITY, INVESTMENT + INNOVATION
Goal 01
Australia’s businesses are amongst the most competitive and dynamic in the world.
What if Australia's businesses led the way globally?
BACK TO FOCUS AREAS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS + WORKFORCE
Goal 02
Australia’s skills, knowledge and ideas are valued, invested in and sought after – locally and globally.
What if Australian ingenuity and innovation were prized at home and afar?
BACK TO FOCUS AREAS
ENERGY TRANSITION + CLIMATE ADAPTATION
Goal 03
Australian businesses and communities lead climate adaptation and the transition to affordable, reliable and secure clean energy.
What if Australia was the world's clean energy superpower?
BACK TO FOCUS AREAS
WELLBEING, SECURITY + PARTICIPATION
Goal 04
All Australians have access to the education, housing and care they need to thrive.
What if all Australians had the core foundations to thrive?
BACK TO FOCUS AREAS
DISADVANTAGE + EQUITY
Goal 05
All Australians have the opportunities and support to live a productive, connected and meaningful life.
What if the postcode you were born in did not determine your future?
BACK TO FOCUS AREAS
DIVERSITY + OPPORTUNITY
Goal 06
Australia's success is characterised by the vibrancy and diversity of our workplaces and society.
What if Australia's diversity was it's competitive advantage?
BACK TO FOCUS AREAS
What would it mean for Australia, and all Australians, to prosper in 2050?
What economic, social and political shifts are required? What trends and challenges need navigating? What opportunities must be harnessed? And importantly, how will we all champion the necessary change?
Toward a more prosperous future, for all Australians
Together, we will question the status quo, asking what is and what could be, to chart a course toward prosperity.
Over the next 25 years, all of our research, advocacy and programming will be harnessed towards reaching this 2050 vision.
Our collective curiosity, together with our commitment to action and real-world change, will guide our progress toward a prosperous future for all Australians.