Australia Forum

The Australia Forum will be a world-class institution that caters for significant meetings, dialogue, cultural events, and other occasions of national importance appropriately held in the capital.

The outcomes of the Australia Forum Scoping Study were released on 11 April 2011. For further information go to http://www.australiaforum.com.au

CLICK HERE to view the outcomes of the Scoping Study

On 27 March 2010 the Steering Committee for the Australia Forum Scoping Study was announced. The members are:

Professor Peter Shergold, AC, Macquarie Group Foundation Professor, Centre for Social Impact, UNSW (Chair)
Dr Dawn Casey, Director, Powerhouse Museum and formerly Director, National Museum of Australia
Professor Ian Chubb, AC, Vice Chancellor, Australian National University
General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC Chair of the Australia War Memorial Council
Ms Virginia Haussegger, ABC News presenter, journalist and writer
Mr Rupert Myer, AM, Chairman of the National Gallery of Australia

Prof Peter Shergold - Chair of the Australia Forum Steering Committee

Prof Peter Shergold - Chair of the Australia Forum Steering Committee

Australia Forum Steering Committee inaugural meeting

Australia Forum Steering Committee inaugural meeting

Media Reports

Announcements

ABC Stateline (Video 8.15) - 26 March
Canberra Times (PDF 1.2mb) - 27 March
Media Statement (PDF 1.8mb) - 27 March

Speeches

Australia Forum Lunch with Peter Sheagold - A Forum for the People of Australia - speech - A Forum for the People of Australia 30 July 2010

The Rationale

As we prepare Australians for the dynamic opportunities and challenges ahead new forms of engagement will be needed. Australia’s best future will be shaped through dialogue – and through facilities and technologies that are enabling, democratic and globally connected.

Capital cities around the world are embracing the need in the 21st century need high quality secure venues catering for international dialogue, trade and significant national events. These are important elements of national infrastructure and the positioning of capitals. Centres of this nature are also the learning hubs of the future – pivotal places in terms of economic development and knowledge transfer from research institutions.

Our National Capital, Canberra, is the meeting place of the nation. It is also a rare centre of knowledge and research, with far reaching global relationships. Canberra is a capital with unparalleled assets and opportunities.

Now the need is clear – for a truly national meeting place in the Capital – one that will meet the future needs of Australia and Australians themselves, and realise the rich potential that exists.