The Nordic Edge

The Nordic Edge: How the Nordic approach can shape Australia's future for the better.

Climate and energy. Work/life balance. Mining taxes. Progress on policy issues like these is essential, yet they have become subject to the most rancorous partisanship, inciting culture wars and bringing down governments. It seems impossible to make any progress without major political upheaval.

Or so it appears in Australia. However, 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 demonstrates 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, presenting exciting possibilities 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 optimism, new ideas, and a Nordic edge.

Contributors include: Professor Andrew Scott; Rod Campbell; Dr Richard Denniss; Matt Grudnoff; Tom Swann; former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström; Dr Lenita Freidenvall; Professor Marian Sawer; James Fleming; Richie Merzian; Dan Cass; Audrey Quicke; Ebony Bennett; Dr Maria Rae; and Associate Professor Anna Eriksson, with a foreword by Ben Oquist.