Future Generations Policy, Governance and Leadership: Ending ’Policrastination’

This book explains how considering the impact on future generations drives good governance and better policy outcomes and why it is time for Australia to embrace intergenerational fairness. We explore proposals to support intergenerational equity through policymaking, including emulating The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act adopted in Wales in 2015. A Welsh-style Act would embed the protection of future generations into Australian legislation. We consider what it would look like if we placed intergenerational justice at the forefront of our policy making, and what that would mean for all life on this continent. This is an urgent quest to reorient policymaking. Globally, we are in a state of polycrisis, emerging out of the pandemic to cascading climate crises, and several intense regional conflicts and geostrategic competition. In response to this, a growing global movement representing the interests of future generations has emerged.

Taylor Dee Hawkins is a social entrepreneur focused on future-driven leadership and social impact. She is the Managing Director of Foundations for Tomorrow, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the protection of future generations’ interests in Australia.

Professor Susan Harris Rimmer focuses on international human rights law in the Griffith Law School.

Dr Elise Stephenson is a multi award-winning researcher, strategist and entrepreneur. She is the Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, Australian National University (ANU).

Matthew Day is a Research Assistant with the Griffith Law School and a Research Advisor for Foundations for Tomorrow.

Amie Furlong is a policy and advocacy professional and has experience in management roles across government and not-for-profit sectors. She is the Research Lead of Foundations for Tomorrow.