Australia is privileged with the resources and institutional arrangements necessary to regularly review and evaluate the policy settings, governance arrangements and legal frameworks that steer our economic, civil, political, social and cultural activities. Indeed, ascertaining where policy reform is needed is the preoccupation of a great many people.

Formal processes include the work of government bureaucracies and independent agencies such as the Australian Law Reform Commission, as well as reports and recommendations arising from parliamentary committee inquiries and Royal Commissions at both state and federal levels.

Informally, there is the research and analysis carried out by think tanks, peak bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and university researchers—all of which is undertaken with the hope that the findings of such research will inform and influence policy and investment decision-making.

Every year, over 100 talented Australian citizens are awarded a Churchill Fellowship to travel overseas and investigate inspiring and best practices that could benefit Australian communities. Through their travels, Churchill Fellows access and exchange knowledge and experiences with industry and community leaders from around the world who have insights to offer in relation to the Fellows' areas of interest.

The idea behind Churchill Fellowships is that people from all walks of life are capable of making great change, so long as they possess the right levels of passion and of determination. It is the responsibility of each Churchill Fellow to share the lessons learnt overseas with the Australian community for the betterment of our society.

The articles in this publication are intended to inspire more public policy-makers to consider opportunities to further broaden their ideas and capabilities for the betterment of Australian society.