Search Results

By Niamh Callinan, Global Voices National Scholar, Y20, 2021 Niamh Callinan is a Global Voices National Scholar. Her policy paper focuses on Bringing Australian Small-to-Medium Enterprises to the Front of Innovation. Executive Summary Innovation is critical to supporting and growing Australia’s economy through providing jobs and increasing the standard of living (Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, 2021). However, Australia’s innovation output ranks relatively low by international standards. This is a consequence of an ongoing disconnect between industry and research sectors, particularly small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This policy paper recommends two solutions; an expansion of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) SME Connect Framework to similar organisations, such as Austrade, to support SMEs across all industries (like trade and investment industries) and expand the government funded Research Block Grants Initiative to promote long-term collaborative partnerships between universities and industries. These recommendations are designed to improve industry-research collaboration in Australia and ultimately contribute to increasing Australia’s innovation output and related international standing.

By Ibrahim Taha, University of Sydney, Y20, 2021 Ibrahim Taha is a Global Voices National Scholar. His policy paper focuses on Countering Youth Radicalisation. Executive Summary Despite the increasing efforts by the Australian Government to counter violent extremism, youth engagement, a central pillar to countering extremism, is often poorly practiced and implemented. The United Nations Security Council has emphasised the need for measures to address violent extremism from a youth perspective (Resolution 68/127, 2015). Young people constitute the highest percentage of individuals joining violent extremist groups (AVERT Research Network, 2021). Therefore, for any policy to effectively counter violent extremism, youth are an invaluable partner. The purpose of this discussion paper is to recommend youth engagement strategies in the government’s countering violent extremism (CVE) policy framework by (1) incorporating youth perspectives in community-based CVE programs and (2) improving digital literacy among young people. The aim of the recommendations is to ensure better policy outcomes in countering violent extremism, by including young people in the policy-making process and training them to counter extremist narratives online. Countering violent extremism is an issue of alienation. Therefore the recommendations in this paper correspond to the broader aims of government in strengthening civil society and fostering social cohesion, to combat the negative forces in society that make young people susceptible to extremist narratives.

By Imogen D’Souza, University of Sydney, WHA, 2021 Imogen is studying a Master of Global Health at the University of Sydney. Her policy paper is about Improving Access to Medical Termination of Pregnancies in New South Wales. Executive Summary Access to safe and affordable abortion services, including medical termination of pregnancy, is a key pillar of sexual and reproductive health rights. As medical termination of pregnancy quickly becomes the chosen abortive option for women1 worldwide, the availability and accessibility of the procedure across New South Wales remains restricted. This policy paper seeks to identify the key factors that prevent access to medical termination services and how these obstacles are exacerbated in rural, regional, and remote areas. This paper will also discuss two key recommendations for government and other stakeholders, that aim to improve the availability of prescribers and dispensers and expand models of care for medical termination of pregnancy in an effort to enhance sexual and reproductive health provision across the state.

By Lachlan Colgrave, RMIT University, WHA, 2021 Lachlan is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at RMIT University. His policy paper is about One Health-Based Analysis for Australian Policy. Executive Summary Public health emergencies affect the health, safety, and wellbeing of both individuals and communities given economic loss, social isolation, school closures, job losses, stretched hospital capacities, and lack of distributed necessities (Pfefferbaum & North, 2020). The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a zoonotic disease, is no exception. A zoonotic disease, or zoonoses, are infections that normally exist in animals but transmit across species, including from wild animals to humans and livestock. This paper addresses two recommendations the Australian Government can take in future-proofing Australia from the health, economic, and social consequences of public health emergencies caused by zoonoses. Recommendation one promotes the establishment of a One Health Advisory Committee (OHAC) for One Health-Based Analysis (OHBA), which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration of experts in monitoring and evaluation of policy whilst empowering community input. It is recommended the Government appoint experts in human health, animal health, and the environment to OHAC which will lead multi-sectoral collaboration to provide advice on old and new policy, whilst being open for public submissions. Recommendation two compliments the proposed OHAC through monthly interdepartmental meetings between the (1) Department of Health, and the (2) Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, to systematically consider OHAC’s policy advice, drafting, and reform.

By Rachael Ryan, Curtin University, WHA, 2021 Rachael is studying a Master of Sustainability and Climate Emergency at Curtin University. Her policy paper is about Protecting Vulnerable Australians from the Physiological Impacts of Prolonged Bushfire Smoke. Executive Summary In the summer of 2019-20, a catastrophic Australian bushfire season colloquially known as the ‘Black Summer’, exposed 80 percent of the population to extreme levels of air pollution for weeks (Rajagopalan & Goodman, 2021; Bott & Fastenrath, 2020). Smoke particles from 19 weeks of continuous fires led to more than 400 excess deaths, 4000 hospitalisations and cost the healthcare system $1.95 billion (Johnston, et al 2021). The number of people killed from poor air quality eclipsed those killed by the bushfires themselves by more than a factor of ten (Arriagada et al, 2020). Bushfire smoke with a fine particulate matter (PM) diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (μm), also known as PM2.5, can penetrate the respiratory system and bloodstream, leading to tissue damage and inflammation and posing a major public health concern (Vardoulakis et al, 2020). Climate change is already causing longer and hotter summers; increasing the frequency of drought, extreme heat events, and fire weather and exacerbating the need to conduct hazard reduction burns (Hunter, 2021). The recent Royal Commission into bushfires confirmed that Australia’s severe 2019- 20 bushfire season was predicted and warned that it will be repeated in the future (Wahlquist, 2020). This is because as the impacts from climate change become more apparent, droughts will become longer and catastrophic weather events that lead to Black Summer will become more frequent (IPCC, 2018). While the long-term health impacts of bushfire smoke are not yet known, the clear link between smoke events and negative health implications demonstrate the need for strategies to minimize pollutant exposure (Walter et al, 2020; Rajagopalan & Goodman, 2021). The Australian government needs to do more to protect vulnerable Australians from the impact of prolonged bushfire smoke. This paper explores effective policy solutions including subsidising building envelope testing and sealing, making evidence-based air purifiers more accessible to asthma sufferers as well as a national bushfire pollution health campaign to support health-based decision-making during smoke events. These measures will reduce the burden on Australia’s health care system during future smoke events.

By Nikko Riazi, The University of Melbourne, OECD, 2021 Nikko Riazi is studying a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne. Her policy paper is about tackling systemic youth unemployment with work-based learning. Executive Summary Over the last 10 years, young people's educational attainment (i.e. year 12 completion) has increased to 88.8% within Australia (ABS, 2021). Despite this, Australia͚'s youth unemployment has remained persistently high (12.9%) because of structural issues and barriers to accessing entry-level opportunities (ABS, 2021). This policy paper expands on the potential for schools to introduce work-based learning to allow for the development of skills and experiences required to gain employment amongst youth at early points in their careers. It proposes developing a program that mandates job-readiness modules and placements to be completed by students from years 9-10. In addition to better preparing young people for full time work, this also benefits employers who can access a larger pool of young talent. These recommendations aim to close the skills-experience gap and allow for more entry-level employment opportunities.

By Konnor Terzakis, RMIT University, OECD, 2021 Konnor Terzakis is studying an Honours Degree and Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) at RMIT University. His policy is about curbing transport emissions in Victoria by incentivising electric vehicle adoption. Executive Summary Transport emissions, particularly vehicle emissions, are not only contributing to Victoria’s CO2 emissions, but their constant growth is offsetting any gains made by emission reductions in other industries. To curb vehicle emissions, environmentally friendly Electric Vehicles (EVs), which offer a clean fuel alternative, need to be adopted. However, Victoria’s EV policies promoting EV adoption lag behind the rest of the country. Accompanied by the recently introduced EV usage tax, the Victorian approach disincentivises adoption. Thus, endangering Victoria’s and subsequently Australia’s ability to meet their climate emission reduction targets. To reverse this and ensure Victorian EV policy incentivises the use and adoption of EVs, this paper presents three policy recommendations. The first is to repeal the Electric Vehicle Road Usage tax, removing this disincentivising tax on EVs, which has been publicly labelled as the “Worst EV Policy in the World” (The Australia Institute, 2021b). The second is to learn from Norway’s success in promoting EV adoption and offering EV users benefits not available to petrol/gas and diesel vehicles. Specifically recommendation two advocates for the Victorian Government to permit EVs to use bus lanes. Lastly, this paper suggests the Victorian Government commission a feasibility report into offsetting import tariffs and GST on EVs. These recommendations would set Victoria apart and make the state the most cost-effective place in Australia to purchase EVs. Thus, increasing the amount of people who can afford to buy EVs, and aiding an increase in adoption.

By Georgiana Vine, Queensland University of Technology, OECD, 2021 Georgiana Vine is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Economics at the Queensland University of Technology. Her policy focuses Gender Equality: A Model for Consulting with First Nations Women’s to promote access to the digital economy Executive Summary Indigenous Australians have lower levels of digital inclusion compared to the broader Australian population (The Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2019). According to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index, Indigenous Australians score below the national average in digital accessibility, affordability and ability (The Australian Digital Inclusion Index, 2019). With the economy quickly becoming dependent on digital platforms, it is understandable how a level of digital literacy is required for most roles. The disadvantage of low levels of digital accessibility and literacy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) communities encounter is poignant and can drastically impact employment opportunities (The Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2019). The Closing The Gap report acknowledges that “the employment rate for Indigenous Australians has not improved over the past decade”(Closing the Gap, 2019). Further, the ‘Measure for Measure: Gender Equality in Australia’ Report released in March 2020 reiterated that Indigenous women are amongst the most at-risk groups for unemployment in the country and that government-led programs are actively causing harm (Dawson et al 2020). Private sector entities have an opportunity to fill the gap produced by government-led programs. In many cases, autonomy and independence of private sector entities can allow for genuine, unique, and meaningful engagement with ATSI communities. The opportunity lies within the consultation process. Engaging with ATSI women in a culturally safe and respectful environment will facilitate collaboration to promote co-designed programs and strategies that open opportunities for ATSI women to participate in the digital economy through the use of digital tools.

By Niamh Wilkins, Curtin University, OECD, 2021 Niamh Wilkins is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce, Marketing at Curtin University. Her policy focuses Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission - not just a ‘Kangaroo court’. Executive Summary Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for private gain (Transparency International, 2023). The WA Inc. Royal Commission. The Fitzgerald Inquiry. Operation Credo. These are only three examples of investigations into alleged corrupt activities that have ruffled the Australian public’s feathers: and their subsequent trust in the government of the day. Since 2012, Australia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score has fallen from 85 to 75, indicating an obvious decline in the trust of Australia’s public servants (Transparency International, 2022). In 2018, a pre-election poll conducted by Griffith University and Transparency International found that 85% of voters thought at least ‘some’ federal MPs were corrupt. This number remained unchanged in 2022, where the ABC’s election data software ‘Vote Compass’ indicated that 85% of Australians believed that corruption was an issue within Australia (ABC, 2022). Corruption is pervasive and divisive. While many vulnerable societal groups will suffer from inefficient or underfunded public resources, others will thrive from receiving lucrative government contracts and grants, as well as favouritism by policy makers. Thus, corruption encourages conditions where conflict is more likely to occur, fostering animosity between groups and eating away at the rule of law (Transparency International, 2022). This is even more dangerous in countries where the gulf of corruption exacerbates the horizontal inequalities that already exist between religious, ethnic and other socio-cultural groups (Cederman et. al., 2011). Moreover, where trust in government declines, the private sector is likely to become more risk-averse; delaying investment, innovation, and employment decisions that are otherwise necessary to prompt competitiveness and economic growth (OECD, 2013). While each Australian State and Territory has a commission dedicated to integrity, corruption, and/or crime within the public administration, their powers and investigative status vary greatly. On 30 November 2022, the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 (Cth) (NACC Act) and National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2022 (Cth) were passed by Australian Parliament. Together, the Acts provide for the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NAAC), an independent watchdog that can impartially investigate cases of corrupt conduct and corruption issues by Australian public officials, ultimately holding all working within the Commonwealth public sector to account. While the NAAC is yet to be established (and is planned for mid-2023), a comparison of other corruption commissions and review of the NACC Act leaves some areas open to potential scrutiny.

By Amelia Goonerage, Westpac Climate Scholar, UNFCCC, 2021 Amelia is a Westpac Scholar studying a Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne. Her policy paper focuses on A Long-Term Strategy for Indigenous Climate Engagement. Executive Summary The recommendations outlined in this paper take a systems-level approach to combatting climate change. Considering the disproportionate impact on Indigenous peoples and the value of their knowledge, investing in Indigenous climate solutions is critical. However, systemic barriers, which limit educational outcomes and subsequent career trajectories, continue to stifle these contributions, undermining Indigenous capacity and perpetuating patterns of inadequate representation within and beyond policy-making bodies. This paper recommends two initiatives to address underlying factors and improve the generation of Indigenous-led climate action, by strengthening the Indigenous academic community, with a particular focus on climate research: To construct and deliver a strategy aiming to achieve population parity in Indigenous and non-Indigenous postgraduate completion rates by 2035. To deliver a National Climate Scholars Program, supporting Indigenous students to undertake postgraduate study and research related to climate change. Although these actions should take place within a broader context of policy to close educational gaps and improve Indigenous rights and recognition, they aim to deliver holistic support to Indigenous climate contributions.

By Emily Tammes, The University of Melbourne, UNFCCC, 2021 Emily is studying a Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne Office for Environmental Programs. Her policy paper focuses on Indigenous Governance in the Australian Context: The Challenges, and Necessity of an Indigenous Voice for a Safe Climate Future. Executive Summary Across the world, colonial and settler countries are beginning to recognise the inherent value of their Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, especially with regards to our destabilised climate. However, Indigenous Australians are not formally recognised in the Constitution, nor have they been granted a voice through a dedicated governance structure. Increasingly the literature advocates for a co-generation of climate policies between Indigenous and nonIndigenous knowledges, suggesting that diversity increases resilience (Gadgil et. al., 1993; Agrawal, 1995; Tengö et. al., 2014; Tengö et. al., 2017; Garnett et. al., 2018; Pickerill, 2018; Hill et. al., 2020; Gadgil et. al., 2021 & Theodory, 2021). This policy paper is grounded in arguments supporting the value of Indigenous knowledge in climate policy and advocates for the benefits of an Australian Indigenous governance structure. Drawing on international examples, it offers adjustments to the current National Voice proposal to increase its potential for positive impact socially, economically and environmentally. The result is an Indigenous governance structure that is constitutionally enshrined, and co-governs alongside the Federal Government, thus thrusting Australia on a path towards true reconciliation.

By Bethany Shegog, RMIT University, UNFCCC, 2021 Beth is studying a Bachelor of International and Global Studies. Her policy paper focuses on Promoting Climate Action Through Energy Efficient Communities. Executive Summary The global momentum for energy security has paved the way for renewable energy to mitigate climate change. Net zero commitments are one of the key catalysts for growing the capacity and technologies of renewable energy in Australia. However, the sheer mass and rapid transition to renewable energy requires effective development and distribution of technology globally. This policy paper identifies how community organisations can be an important driver in the clean energy transition. It suggests that grants be offered to a large variety of community organisations that offer solar system installation, energy efficient technology and training, and resources on energy efficient communities; ultimately supporting sustainable development through renewable energy development.