A Great Thought But Absences Were Notable

21 April 2008

Why didn't the 2020 Summit have at least a 50 per cent participation by the average Australian? Where were the underpaid checkout operators, apprentice plumbers, unemployed Big Issue vendors, part-time students and even a middle-class public servant or two? The summit was a great idea but I think the Government missed a golden opportunity to tap the minds of the real people of our great land.

Aaron Jarosz London, England

I am so grateful that I have lived long enough to see what might be the beginning of a government that seems not only to be honest and trustworthy, but one that has some imagination and insight. The opening of Parliament was great, the Sorry Day even better, but the opening of the 2020 Summit was overflowing with promise. (And how refreshing - barely a necktie in sight!)

Pat Lindsay Umina Beach

Why would Brendan Nelson so obviously flout the dress code for the 2020 Summit and wear a suit and tie? Nothing sums up his lack of connection with the Australian people better than this. Even the Governor-General left his tie at home.

Michael Fischer Coogee

It was difficult to find ethnic people represented at the 2020 Summit, particularly from non-Anglo communities. Although they represent a huge population in Australia, there was not much space left for them. Obviously, they are not bright enough, and definitely not smart enough. Maybe a 3030 summit might give them some chance.

D. Mukul Hunters Hill

Has anyone seen a photo of the 2020 Summit that does not feature Cate Blanchett?

John Truman Chatswood

A glaring omission is a focus on food production, distribution and pricing. Recent events and trends have highlighted the complexity and fragility of the world's food supply chain and the dramatic consequences for the under-privileged, in particular. If we take global warming to be true, the effects on Australian food production will be significant, and given the crises in other parts of the world, we will have to be not only self-sufficient but will have a responsibility to assist other nations. That the Federal Government has not included this subject in the summit shows that our food future may already be in jeopardy.

Wayne Talbot Kelso

In opening the 2020 Summit, Kevin Rudd proposed to "throw open the windows ... and to modify the creaking government machine". These words are remarkably similar to those of newly appointed minister Jim Hacker when first addressing Sir Humphrey.

John Stanton Noosaville (Qld)


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