What's the Big Idea?: 30 Years of the Australia Institute

by Anna Chang (Editor), Alice Grundy (editor)

Leading thinkers from Australia and around the world outline how we can make change for the better
The Australia Institute has spent the last 30 years producing research that matters, and this anthology offers fresh thinking about climate action, how to safeguard our democracy, the importance of bravery in policymaking, and how to address some of the biggest issues of our from gender-based discrimination to the housing crisis; from our relationship with the United States to keeping cities cooler.


In our first 30 years, The Australia Institute has shown how to make the impossible feel inevitable, and the radical seem reasonable. The works in this inspiring volume serve as a reminder that the solutions are there; Australia just needs the courage to implement them.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Carl Maissan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passing off a series of amuse-bouche as a main course, this slim volume is equal parts interesting and frustrating. You get 32 few-hundred-word vignettes across a wide variety of topics, most very interesting. But whether inherent in the savage word count limit or due to editing, they raise 32 sets of problems and offer precious little in specific, actionable insights. The cover promises “the world’s leading thinkers [outlining] how we can make change for the better”. And there are definitely some interesting insights that deserve building out. But without any of the depth of, say, a Quarterly Essay, this becomes a hardback series of newspaper op-eds or blog posts. Interesting and enjoyable but definitely a snack not a meal.

[Shaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this anthology is informative. The diversity of the contributors covers so many issues that are challenging our society and also the planet. Climate scientists are damning of what should have happened decades ago by governments. We are experiencing that lack of action now.
Culture, economics, government, inclusivity, families, foreign policy, diplomacy, mental health, peace, nuclear weapons and many more topics are well-written and make you think deeply.
A great reference.

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a highly anticipated read, but sadly, it fell flat. Expected thoroughly fleshed out fresh ideas of reforms and grand policy changes, but it felt more like commonplace thoughts and insights most of us are already thinking. While each 'big idea' is noteworthy and important, nothing felt new or particularly groundbreaking.

However, it might be interesting for those who wish to be exposed to multiple issues to inspire further reading on those subjects individually!

[Meg Moller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly exceptional and inspiring anthology of essays about the Australian state and the big ideas that can make change for the better in our nation. I am encouraged to work harder to help make this happen.

[Robert Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of meaningful essays on a wide range of issues, but best read over many sittings as the frustration of political inaction is central to each.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this collection of ideas but ended up disappointed. Each article was only 3-4 pages long. I would have much preferred fewer but longer articles.

[Mr Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

This whole book teases you with an idea but there’s no meat on the bone, ideas aren’t fleshed out - very unsatisfying

[Stuart Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snippets, teasers, BHAGs - call them what you will. The book represents a vision for a bolder Australia - not exactly revolutionary, mind.

What it will take to deliver the vision is not covered.

[Sue Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, readable essays from notable thinkers.

[Steven Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every australian who cares about Australia should read this.

[Hamish Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expensive and compressed and good for stealing takes and why is every reformer so in love with themselves?