Australians are culturally hardwired to aspire for a “fair go”. To collectively realise this vision, we must direct our resources and knowledge to ensure that future generations can enjoy a fairer society. Redirecting our attention from the short-term can help us address some of Australia’s most significant challenges, such as rising costs of living, income inequality, unequal healthcare access, declining education performance, and climate change.

Globally, there is growing recognition of the need for long-term policymaking. The recent UN Declaration on Future Generations as part of the Pact for the Future represents a significant step, emphasising that nations should adopt a whole-of-government approach to ensuring policies meet the needs of future generations. This landmark achievement of global cooperation clearly defines actions for advancing future generations policy. Such actions include: the potential appointment a UN Special Envoy for Future Generations; convening a high-level meeting of the General Assembly on future generations to review implementation of the Declaration; and developing a “future-orientated” culture across the UN to support anticipatory planning, foresight practices and futures literacy.

Through the Pact and Declaration, Member States also committed to establishing mechanisms to consult with young people in policymaking, foster intergenerational dialogue, and remove barriers to effective participation of young people in decision-making. Our task is now to match this ambition with tangible, local action. There is an opportunity for Australia to build on these regional, national and global frameworks and secure a better future for all.

Rising demand in Australia for intergenerational policymaking

A new report by EveryGen, A Fair Go for All: Intergenerational Justice Policy Survey, reveals that Australians are ready for change. 97 per cent of respondents believed that current policies should consider the interests of future generations, while 79 per cent supported the establishment of a Commissioner for Future Generations to safeguard intergenerational justice in policymaking. Moreover, 81 per cent of participants felt that the thinking of politicians is too short-term.

There are multiple examples of other governments taking steps in this vein. The Government of Wales, which established a Future Generations Commissioner in 2015, set a global example. Meanwhile, Finland and New Zealand have adopted a wellbeing lens on economic policy. Bhutan is also measuring progress in terms beyond GDP through their Gross National Happiness Index. The UAE and Singapore are investing in foresight capabilities to protect future generations.

Australia can build on developments at the state and Commonwealth levels and create mechanisms that can further prioritise long-term wellbeing. Key initiatives, such as the Intergenerational Report, the Measuring What Matters wellbeing framework and the recent Public Service Amendment Act 2024 which introduced “stewardship” as a new Australian Public Service value, reflect a robust history and growing recognition of the importance of holistic, long-term thinking to inform policy

Federal MPs Bridget Archer and Dr Sophie Scamps, as co-chairs of the Australian Parliamentary Group for Future Generations, are championing the push for a “Wellbeing of Future Generations Act” in Australia. They are working closely with Australian civil society to advocate for further long-term, holistic policymaking. Sophie Howe, the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, expressed her support for Australia adopting a similar approach, stating, “Australia is well-positioned to be a leading country in putting the needs of future generations at the heart of decision-making.”

Future generations policy in practice

Many existing policymaking systems incentivise short-term thinking, making it difficult to prioritise long-term challenges such as climate change and economic inequality. The proposed Future Generations Commissioner would serve as a statutory advocate, ensuring that today’s decisions are evaluated for their long-term impact. This position would report directly to Parliament to safeguard its independence. The commissioner would have a mandate to foster cross-portfolio collaboration and ensure policy coherence across sectors.

The Future Generations Commissioner would be modelled on international successes but tailored to Australian needs. The Commissioner would work on a 20- to 30-year horizon, ensuring policies today adequately consider the potential impacts on future generations. Regular reporting to Parliament and mandated consultations with government agencies would build transparency and accountability into the process. Establishing this role would also build on Australia’s pioneering initiatives, such as the appointment of the world’s first eSafety Commissioner.

My organisation, Foundations for Tomorrow, has already begun consulting civil society, government and academic stakeholders to develop a uniquely Australian approach that borrows from the successes of the Welsh model while integrating a localised approach to implementation. The recently launched public draft of the Future Generations Policy Brief advocates for the introduction of a “Wellbeing of Current and Future Generations Act” and the establishment of an Australian Future Generations Commissioner.

Securing our future today

With so many pressing challenges today, it may seem a luxury to look too far into the future. Yet, it is precisely now that we must rethink our approach to decision-making and move away from the cycle of short-termism. By embracing long-term solutions, we can create lasting benefits for both present and future generations.

The longer we wait, the more difficult the path becomes. Tackling issues such as climate change, economic inequality and declining wellbeing demands bold, visionary action. Establishing a Future Generations Commissioner would be a strong first step.

Taylor Hawkins is Managing Director of Foundations for Tomorrow.

This article draws from research completed by Foundations for Tomorrow.

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