Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Ideas the engine of new growth

By Craig Emerson - posted Friday, 12 December 2008


There is nothing more powerful, it seems, than the power of a good idea created by a vivid imagination. In this 21st century battle of ideas, those communities best able to generate, attract and retain pools of creative talent will be the most prosperous. And they will be the most open and tolerant.

In this modern contest, good social policy becomes good economic policy. The campuses of our preschools, schools, colleges and universities are the places where the economy meets society.

As Australia navigates through the global financial crisis, investing in infrastructure such as roads, rail, ports and telecommunications can provide a valuable economic stimulus and a boost to stalled productivity growth.

Advertisement

But the greatest long-term investment Australia can make is an investment in our young people, in the freeways, thoroughfares and avenues of their minds. By supporting early childhood development to help wire the brains of infants, nurturing their imaginations through school and encouraging them on to our universities, Australian parents and governments can secure our future as a prosperous, fair, tolerant and compassionate country.

The Rudd Government is making that investment, through an $11 billion Education Investment Fund, more than $1.2 billion for computers in schools and $2.4 billion for early childhood education and care. And for the first time, through the Council of Australian Governments, the commonwealth and the states are working on a truly national education reform agenda.

What a great and noble cause: fashioning an imaginative, creative Australia. Through the Government's education revolution, it can be the defining achievement of our times.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All

First published in The Australian on December 8, 2008.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

37 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Craig Emerson is the Minister for Small Business in the Rudd Government and Member for Rankin.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Craig Emerson

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Craig Emerson
Article Tools
Comment 37 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy