The Nordic Edge Policy Possibilities in Australia

Climate and energy. Work/life balance. Mining taxes. Progress on policy issues like these is essential, and yet they have become subject to the most rancorous partisanship, the precipitation of culture wars, and have brought down governments. It is impossible to make any progress without major political upheaval. Or so it seems in Australia. Yet Nordic countries have taken a 'ja, we can' approach to these and other issues such as independent foreign policy, prison reform, gender equality, retraining for workforce participation and media diversity. Their experience shows that progress in these areas is not only possible, but can be achieved while increasing prosperity and community wellbeing. The Nordic Edge explores policies adopted by Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland and the exciting possibilities they provide to overcome Australia's seemingly intractable problems. Leading Australian and Nordic thinkers and policy practitioners, including Sweden's recent Foreign Minister, outline proven approaches to help Australia become a fairer, happier, wealthier and more environmentally responsible country. Re-enter Australia's policy debates with new ideas and a Nordic edge.

Rod Campbell is the Research Director at The Australia Institute. An economist and geographer by training, Rod’ s research focuses on mining, energy, economic modelling and the Murray Darling Basin. Dr Andrew Scott is Professor of Politics and Policy at Deakin University, Inaugural Convenor of The Australia Institute Nordic Policy Centre and author of five books including Northern Lights: The Positive Policy Example of Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway (Monash University Publishing, 2014).