2020 Summit 

The Federal Government's Australia 2020 Summit has served a very valuable purpose in getting a diverse range of priority themes and ideas documented and before them for consideration.

There has been comment and debate made that many of the "ideas" are not new. And many aren't, such as the calls for a major review of Australia's taxation system, the call for more open Government, and the establishment of a single national curriculum for schools.

Others reflect current issues requiring urgent attention such as climate change, and health issues relating to Australia's obesity epidemic.

The important point is that all these issues are now on the table, they will be part of a review process with the Federal Government now having committed to issue its formal response over the coming months.

From the horticulture industry's perspective, some of the key areas of potential benefit to flow from the Federal Government supporting key recommendations made at the summit including:

• Regulation reform – removal of the barriers to competition, reduce the cost of doing business and the creation of a seamless national economy. Ÿ Nation-wide harmonisation and standardisation of regulations, licensing and enforcement – consistent standards and requirements across all states and territories.
• Making healthy food choices easy – with a number of initiatives proposed which would assist in promoting the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Establishment of a national infrastructure plan – recognising the need for a coordinated approach to infrastructure priorities.
•  Reduced barriers to workforce participation – further consideration to be given to guest workers and the use of incentives to encourage and support people working in rural and regional Australia.
• Dealing with climate change – numerous recommendations were made in relation to the climate change and sustainability issues.

When announcing the summit earlier this year, the Prime Minister highlighted that the process would be a means by which Australians could help shape a long-term strategy for the nation's future.

Clearly, the summit has been successful in facilitating the compilation of those big ideas which will help to shape and re-shape our future.