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Carbon Economy

Fri, 30/01/2009 - 13:48 — Site Administrator

The implementation of The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), formerly known as The Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme, is going to be the biggest shake up in Australian taxation and compliance since the GST was introduced.

There is great emphasis placed on the need for our response to climate change to be "economically responsible".  Is success possible without a bit of pain? How much are we, as individuals and as a nation, prepared to sacrifice to reduce carbon emissions?

  • Are we ready for a carbon emissions trading scheme?
  • Should Australia be a trailblazer or wait for international consensus on targets?
  • What are your views on carbon emission reduction targets?
  • How will the proposed changes affect you and your business?
  • Is the term "clean coal" an oxymoron?
  • Are you already participating in a carbon pollution reduction scheme on a voluntary basis?

All throughout February 2009 we will be bringing you blogs from experts and thought leaders in this field.

At the conclusion of the month, a report will be tabled summarising the conclusions and recommendations of this  forum, which will be offered for subsequent consideration by the newly formed Carbon Economy Task Force.

Pain Management

Thu, 18/02/2010 - 11:37 — Site Administrator

One in five Australians will suffer chronic pain in their lifetime, yet up to 80% living with this debilitating condition are missing out on treatment that could improve their health and quality of life. People with acute pain (after surgery or trauma) or cancer pain are effectively treated only 50% of the time.

An MBF Foundation report conducted by Access Economics has estimated that chronic pain costs the Australian economy $34 billion per annum.

Expert and community feedback is currently being sought on the Draft National Pain Strategy. Some of the key issues up for discussion are: recognising pain as a disease,  destigmatising pain, recognising pain as the fifth vital sign and how to help people better manage their pain.

Open Forum will be featuring the ideas of some of the speakers and delegates of the upcoming National Pain Summit in Canberra, in this online discussion forum dedicated to Pain Management. To participate, simply follow the links below to read the related blogs and login to leave a comment.

Better Regulation Choices

Tue, 03/11/2009 - 14:24 — Site Administrator

What happens after the COAG regulation 'hotspots' agenda? What role is there for codes, standards and charters as alternatives to detailed, black-letter regulation?

Throughout November 2009, with the support of Standards Australia, Better Regulation Choices is Open Forum’s Topic of the Month. It should explore the regulatory spectrum from self-regulation to black-letter law and everything in between.
  • Better regulation - What do we mean by this? How far has the COAG regulatory agenda taken us towards better regulation? What happens next?
  • Dimensions of choice - What regulatory options exist? What lessons can we learn from existing cases? Who wins and loses from different regulatory approaches?
  • Global perspective/new frontiers - How can better regulation extend across national boundaries? How can the quality of regulation be improved by new ways of consulting?
A comprehensive Issues Paper provides a framework for this online discussion. Download the Issues Paper from the Standards Australia website here.
 
To participate, simply follow the links below to read the related blogs, login to leave a comment, or email us your own contribution or contributor suggestion to srose@openforum.com.au or phone +61 2 8303 2430.

How old is old enough?

Mon, 02/03/2009 - 11:58 — Site Administrator

Many milestones in life are determined by the law, such as when we can vote, get married or go to war. Then there are drinking, smoking or sexual activity, which the law attempts to govern according to aged-based regulation, with only limited success. Even amongst activities which are illegal at any age, different cultural attitudes often bestow judgments of age appropriateness.

All throughout March we'll be showcasing the opinions of those who've struggled with difficult questions about how old is old enough, whether in their role as regulator, policy maker, law enforcer, academic, or citizen.

Are you struggling over decisions about how old is old enough with your teenager? Have you ever felt discriminated against based on your age? In instances where the law is unclear, are there standards we can turn to for help? Are you ever too old?

If you have a strong view then tell us, how old you believe is old enough. 

Talk Openly: Better Regulation Forum with special guest The Hon. Lindsay Tanner MP

Wed, 08/10/2008 - 15:28 — Site Administrator

SPECIAL EVENT: Monday 13th - Friday 17th October '08

The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP, Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation, is our guest blogger as part of this interactive, online discussion forum on BETTER REGULATION.

Are you an expert or specialist in your field? Do you think you understand the needs of your industry better than the government? Are you tired of dealing with archaic laws that are no longer relevant? Or, are you working with emerging technologies which the law hasn't understood yet?  Are you an "ordinary" citizen with some extraordinary ideas for better regulation?

Then this is your chance to get directly in the Minister for Deregulation's ear! 

We talk a lot about the need for politicians to "stay in touch".  Minister Tanner has expressed a desire not just to talk, but to listen and reply to your ideas. 

We're looking forward to hearing what you have to say. The BETTER REGULATION forum opens on Thursday, 9 October 2008. Participation is simple and free. If you aren't already, sign in to become an Open Forum member. Write your comments, questions and suggestions using the "Post a comment" link below.

The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP will be personally responding to submissions from Monday, 13 to Friday, 17 October 2008.

Open Forum will then continue to follow how some of your ideas can be turned in to BETTER REGULATION.

Australia’s Health

Mon, 21/12/2009 - 15:36 — Site Administrator

Health care remains one of the major political, financial and social issues in Australia and other OECD countries. National surveys reveal a common contradiction between people’s greater satisfaction with their personal experience of care and a high level of dissatisfaction with “the system” as a whole. The growing proportion of elderly people and those with chronic conditions, escalating costs and increased expectations make the need for a comprehensive health sector reform as urgent and compelling as ever.

The GAP/ACHR Congress on Australia’s Health, held on 30 November 2009 at Parliament House of Victoria, was brought together to produce a policy document in response to “A Healthier Future for All Australians” report released by the National Health & Hospitals Reform Commission.  Keynote speakers and delegates have been 'handpicked' according to their credentials as changemakers and thought leaders for Australia’s health reform.

Open Forum will be featuring the ideas of the speakers and delegates in an online discussion forum dedicated to Australia’s Health, proudly supported by the Australian Centre for Health Research. To participate, simply follow the links to read the related blogs, log in to leave a comment, email us your own contribution or phone +61 2 8303 2420.