Dr. Jonas Salk, inventor of the polio vaccine, once posed a vital question: “Are we being good ancestors?”
For children and future generations, today’s decisions have profound consequences. In the face of social, environmental, and economic challenges, we must ask: how can our institutions and choices safeguard the rights and well-being of children, young people, and those yet to come?
This event brought together experts in law reform, medicine, population health, and child advocacy to explore how Australia can lay the foundation for a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. The discussion emphasized the need for Australian leaders to look beyond short-term cycles and financial quarters, advocating for innovative approaches to tackle persistent issues like poverty, health inequalities, and climate change.
Speakers included:
Kate Chaney MP, Independent Federal Member for Curtin
Amie Furlong, Foundations for Tomorrow
Bret Hart, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Service
Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, Commissioner for Children and Young People WA
Rebecca Glauert, Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas UWA
Hosts:
Linda Savage, Ambassador for Children and Young People in WA
Assoc. Prof. Paul Maginn, UWA Public Policy Institute.
It was a call to action for policymakers to establish systems that prioritize society’s long-term well-being and encourage forward-thinking at every level.
