BOOK REVIEW. Into the Future; The Neglect of the Long Term in Australian Politics

Into the Future; The Neglect of the Long Term in Australian Politics by Ian Marsh and David Yencken
This monograph of 89 pages concisely outlines the issues and problems with the present political system with particular emphasis on the long term strategic analysis and planning that is so essential if society is to become sustainable. It is essential reading for those working to influence political outcomes.

The point is made that whilst it is not possible to predict the future, it is nevertheless essential that long term strategic problems are addressed. For example within the sphere of interest of Doctors for the Environment Australia, the authors state “The long term implications of current economic and social practices for climate change, water availability and use, loss of biodiversity and land degradation are deep seated concerns of environmental scientists and environmentalists. These and many other people are expressing concern about the future of Australia and the lack of attention to strategic monitoring and analysis”. An examination of the unresolved strategic problem of salinity is illustrative. We have known of the problem and its threats for over a century. Yet are we coping with it? The Land and Water Audit found that salinity was out of control everywhere. To allow this to happen “There must be failures of research and technical analysis; failures of public education and involvement; failures of recognition, debate and engagement in parliament, the government and bureaucracy - all leading to an unwillingness of governments to act”. In considering such issues the book analyses the reasons for the se failures, determines the necessary conditions for sustained debate about the issues and then suggests what we can do to improve our capacity for strategic review and action.

The authors make two major proposals for reform of the present system.

Firstly, reform of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) which comprises the prime minister, premiers, territory chief ministers and the president of the Australian local government association. The role of COAG is to initiate, develop and monitor the implementation of policy reforms which are of national significance and which require cooperative action by Australian governments. This role could provide a mechanism for the examination of long term strategic issues and the implementation of national reforms, but at present there is no fixed timetable and the agenda and the timing of meetings occurs only at the “whim of the prime minister”. The agreement on a National Water Initiative at COAG indicates that important environmental matters relating to sustainability, biodiversity protection and greenhouse emission reduction could be on the agenda of Council if reforms allowed regular meeting and a democratically prepared agenda.

Secondly, the Senate House and joint committee systems need to provide a stronger link between parliament and the community. This committee system should be reformed to be bipartisan and to encompass long term strategic issues. Reform should include the co-option of outside experts and the provision of facititatory finance and time. The authors describe a range of models operating in other democratic countries.

There will be sceptics who believe that the glacial pace of political reform of the entrenched party system will be inadequate to address the environmental crises that threaten us but we must continue to work for change. Doctors for the Environment, Australia has the opportunity to raise these matters in meetings with ministers. We recognise the need for increased interaction between parliamentarians and experts to enable a better understanding of the complex issues of science sustainability and ecological services.

The Australian Collaboration is a collaboration of leading national community organisations. The participating organisations are:
 Australian Council of Social Service;
 Australian Conservation Foundation;
 Australian Consumers Association;
 Australian Council for International Development;
 Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia;
 National Council of Churches in Australia; and
 Trust for Young Australians.

A new venture for the Collaboration is the Public Interest Series, a joint venture with the publishing house Black Inc., publishers of the award winning Quarterly Essay. The aim of the Public Interest Series is to publish short books on topical issues such as aspects of democracy, the environment, social justice and Indigenous issues and policy. The books will be written by prominent researchers and thinkers but are designed for a general readership.

Into the future may be purchased from booksellers or direct from The Australian Collaboration, 5, St Vincent Place, Albert Park