The Rudd Government will convene the Australia 2020 Summit at Parliament House on 19 and 20 April to help shape a long term strategy for the nation's future.

The Summit will bring together some of the best and brightest brains from across the country to tackle the long term challenges confronting Australia's future –challenges which require long-term responses from the nation beyond the usual three year electoral cycle.

To do this, the Government will bring together 1000 leading Australians to the national Parliament to debate and develop long-term options for the nation across 10 critical areas:

1. The Productivity Agenda - education, skills, training, science and innovation

2. The Future of the Australian Economy

3. Population, sustainability, climate change and water

4. Future directions for rural industries and rural communities

5. A long-term national health strategy - including the challenges of preventative health, workforce planning and the ageing population

6. Strengthening communities, supporting families and social inclusion

7. Options for the future of indigenous Australia

8. Towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design

9. The future of Australian governance: renewed democracy, a more open government (including the role of the media), the structure of the Federation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens

10. Australia's future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world.

More information: www.australia2020.gov.au