Book excerpt: Future Proofing Australia is a selection of essays by distinguished thinkers and doers boldly confronting the future and mapping out a path for our country. The contributors understand that ideas matter. They want to see Australia identify, confront and overcome significant challenges affecting our country, so that future generations continue to enjoy our prosperity, opportunity and lifestyle that are much envied around the world. New, fresh ideas are the lifeblood of any successful society. Without these ideas, societies stagnate and then wither—unable to either face or resolve problems confronting them. Future Proofing Australia was conceived to assist that blood flow. It is designed to inform, challenge, and lift the level of public debate.